Pen to Print provided by Barking & Dagenham Libraries is working to build a network of support for aspiring writers in Barking and Dagenham.

We identify local writing talent and provide them with opportunities to produce quality writing for publication.

We publish our own suite of publications, Write On! our free quarterly print magazine, alongside Write On! Extra online and our Write On! Audio podcast

In addition to our main competition The Book Challenge we offer other free writing competitions, author events classes, workshops and other activity supported by established creative writing experts, authors and artists.

A majority of our events are available for free and open to everyone and are designed to inspire and encourage writers, as well as providing entertainment to the wider reading public.

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NB: Due to increased costs, we will be making a small charge of £1 (plus any charges applied by Eventbrite.) for people attending sessions online, this comes into effect from 1 January 2024 onwards.

Taking part in all of our sessions in-person at a venue remains free.

Any profit we may make will be invested back into the programme, contributing to making our digital offering more environmentally sustainable. We are starting with an upgrade to our website that will be coming soon.

We do regret that we have to make this difficult decision however, our grant funding is not increasing and we are experiencing increased costs that we can no longer afford to absorb.

We are aware that this could prove cost prohibitive for some people, if cost is a barrier to you taking part, if you are UK based , please do email us directly: pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk to discuss this further.

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Pen to Print is supported using public funding by Arts Council England funded by UK Government, as a Library National Portfolio Organisation .

Web Address: pentoprint.org

Email: pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk

Sign up for Pen to Print e-newsletters visit: public.govdelivery.com and register.

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To help people access our online content we have created some How to Guides:

How to Access and Event/Class After Booking on Eventbrite

How to Set-up a Google Account

How to Join a Google Classroom

How to Submit and Assignment and Make Comments

How to View Tutor Feedback and Make Edits to Your Assignments