In April 1978, the English Department held a Poetry Jam, featuring Richard Wilbur, W. D. Snodgrass, and Dave Smith. The success of the Poetry Jam and the recent explosion of community interest in the literary, visual, and performing arts in Hampton Roads, led to the First Annual Literary Festival. It was called The Arts Reunion,and it coincided with the arrival of the Associated Writing Programs' national headquarters, the birth of ODU's creative writing program, and the establishment of a Distinguished Visiting Writer position (W. D. Snodgrass was our first). It was a heady time. Some of the writers speaking at the Literary Festival over the years have included Robert Pinsky, Rita Dove, John McPhee, William Styron, Ann Beattie, Charles Johnson, Derek Walcott, and Gwendolyn Brooks. The diversity of readers, panels, workshops, and community involvement is one of the Festival hallmarks. Every two years the Festival is redesigned by a different English department member. The themes change from year to year. Major writers, cultural diversity, international perspectives, and numerous other approaches have been implemented over the years. Over the years, students from Old Dominion University, surrounding campuses, and high schools have been encouraged to attend the literary events. Few, around the country, have an opportunity to hear and mingle with so many major and aspiring writers. Since Hampton Roads is areader friendlyenvironment, the Festival has consistently attracted patrons of bookstores, libraries, museums, and arts events.

Note written by Phil Raisor (English Department) and Karen Vaughan (Library)