The featured reader for October is writer, librarian, and visual artist Melissa Eleftherion. Born & raised in Brooklyn, Melissa is the author of four poetry collections: field guide to autobiography (The Operating System, 2018), gutter rainbows (Querencia Press, 2024), Suture (Cooper Dillon, 2026), and Malocchia (White Stag, 2026). She has also authored twelve chapbooks including abject sutures (above/ground press, 2024). Her poetry has been widely published, most recently appearing or forthcoming in the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day series, DIAGRAM, and Sixth Finch. Melissa served as Poet Laureate for the City of Ukiah from 2021 to 2024. She manages Mendocino County’s Ukiah Branch Library and curates the LOBA Reading Series.

Writers Read has been happening in Ukiah since 1999, and occurs on the last Thursday of almost every month. The program focuses on poetry, spoken word, short stories, song, and expository prose. The evening will begin at 7:00 with a reading by Melissa, followed by an hour of open mic starting around 8:00. 

There is no fee, but donations are warmly appreciated.