For 20+ years, Medaille College's Write Thing Reading Series has hosted Buffalo-based and national fiction writers, poets, and other literary artists.
Originally founded and run for over a decade by Ted Pelton, and now coordinated by Mary Louise Hill, The Write Thing Reading Series has been devoted to bringing literary artists to Medaille College's campus, for the purposes of enhancing the educational experience of students on the campus and contributing to Buffalo's larger literary community.
11/30/2025
Delighted to see this announcement on Third Man Books for Buffalo local poet Rachelle Taormino. She gave a great poetry reading for the Medaille College Write Thing Reading Series about eight years ago. Congratulations, Rachelle!
11/01/2025
Though Medaille College is no more, and its closure took the Write Thing Reading Series with it, this page continues to get visitors. It's remained active for those who supported this series and also for the writers we hosted.
Here's some news on one of our 2019/2020 presenters:
It was great to hear my old classmate, roommate, and friend Paula Saunders read from her new book "Starting From Here" at Syracuse University this past week.
In 2019, Paula was a guest of Medaille College Write Thing Reading Series. At that time, she read from her first book "The Distance Home." It was a beautiful reading, followed by a generous question and answer session with students. This week's reading was no different. Paula's clean, well-crafted prose is even better when she reads it out loud. Every student who asked questions received her total attention and a thoughtful response. Paula is a brave writer: I admire how she uses fiction to gain insights into herself and her relationships with family members. In "Starting From Here," Rene (the protagonist in both books) sets out on a quest to become a professional dancer. At the age of fifteen, she leaves her dysfunctional but lovable family behind in a small town in South Dakota and heads first to Phoenix, then Denver, and finally New York. She finds herself thrust into experiences where she believes the "right answer" is to forfeit her own comfort and succumb to other people's desires. Through all this, she grows. I highly recommend both Paula's books. The advice she gave to the Syracuse students was to read the second book first, and then the first. After you're finished with both, you'll be anticipating the third as much as I am!
10/04/2025
Become a BABEL Volunteer! Just Buffalo’s BABEL Author Series is powered by generous, curious, community-minded people like you. Whether you’re greeting guests at the door or handing out programs, you’re helping to bring world-class literature to Buffalo—and making sure every guest feels welcome.
What volunteering with BABEL means for you:
✨ Assisting with various tasks including set-up, greeting, tickets, programs, ushering, and clean-up
✨ Representing Just Buffalo with warmth and professionalism
✨ Being part of a memorable event while still having the opportunity to be in the auditorium and hear the inspiring presentation
Learn more and apply here: https://www.justbuffalo.org/support-just-buffalo/babel-volunteer/
09/03/2025
From the page to the stage. From Buffalo to the world. BABEL is your passport to extraordinary storytelling and unforgettable conversations and this season is no different. Join us for evenings with:
✨Colm Tóibín on October 16
✨Hernan Diaz on November 20
✨Tara Westover on March 26
✨Imani Perry on April 23
Get your season subscriptions at justbuffalo.org 📖✨
09/03/2025
Clear your schedule, bring your notebook, and join us for Open Hours. ✨ A space for adults to focus, create, and explore new ideas, with inspiration all around—from our shelves of books to the vibrant community of writers by your side. 📚💫
https://www.justbuffalo.org/events/open-hours-2025-08-20/
09/03/2025
We’re looking for a Program Coordinator! Working with program staff and community partners, Just Buffalo’s Program Coordinator will support an exciting array of JBLC events including the BABEL Author Series, Silo City Summer Reading Series, Just Buffalo Writing Center workshops and book discussions as well as community & fundraising events.
At Just Buffalo, you’ll find dedicated colleagues who are passionate about the communities we serve. Plus, JBLC is deeply committed to healthy work-life balance with opportunities for working virtually.
Learn more and apply here: https://www.justbuffalo.org/careers-program-coordinator-2025-08/