The Story of Winnipeg: A city-wide collaborative poem

What is Winnipeg? What does it mean to you?

The Story of Winnipeg is an invitation to all Winnipeggers to share their lyrical and literal interpretations of our city. It’s an opportunity to write your own unusual Winnipeg poem.

These fill-in-the-blank tiny books are created out of a single piece of paper opened in the center and folded into a new structure. A small, flat space with volume!

Share your stories and ideas of what Winnipeg is, was, and might be. Your poems will be collected, read and shared as part of a city-wide mini-book installation lead by Winnipeg Poet Laureate, Jennifer Still.

Story of Winnipeg mini books are available to fill out and drop off at all Winnipeg Public Library locations beginning October 2025. Look for the paper mailbox. By submitting your poem, you are giving permissions for its use.

We will provide direct support to all who require assistance in writing their Winnipeg poem. Send requests to: [email protected].

1. Take a map-book and fill in the blanks with words, drawings, alterations, additions, or….? This is your space to say what you like about our city! You can identify yourself, be anonymous, use a pseudonym—whatever you like.

2. “Mail” your book to Winnipeg’s Poet Laureate by dropping it in the green mailbox! If you want to keep the poem for yourself, then please take the book with you. Books dropped in the mailbox will be read by Winnipeg’s Poet Laureate, who will collect all works for a future public installation. By submitting your poem, you are giving permissions for its use.

• CBC News, October 07 2025: The Story of Winnipeg: Turning history into poetry