Public Poetry Program

Inspired by poetry projects across the United States, Public Poetry Places are physical boxes designed to promote poetry and community interaction throughout the City of Myrtle Beach.

Launched in 2024, the first Public Poetry Places box is designed to display a rotating selection of featured poems by the city's poet laureate while also inviting community members to submit their own work.

The box offers passersby the chance to "take a poem" — a physical copy of the featured poem enjoy and share with others — and also the opportunity to "leave a poem" inspired by the theme of the featured poem. Visitors can choose to open the box and submit work using the materials inside, or can visit our website to submit their work here.

You can find the box featured at a variety of events throughout the downtown area — including First Friday Art Walks, festivals and community gatherings — or stop by Chapin Memorial Library, 400 14th Ave N., to interact with the box.

Over time, our hope is to expand this program, with multiple boxes and locations throughout the city. If you are interested in hosting a box or helping support our mission, please contact us for details on how you can get involved.

Bo Bryan, a distinguished Southern writer and novelist, serves as Myrtle Beach's inaugural Poet Laureate. Born George Waller Bryan, Jr., on October 17, 1948, he adopted the family nickname "Bo" during his youth in Myrtle Beach. His literary works often delve into themes of escapism and the nuances of vacation culture, reflecting the unique character of his hometown.

Despite facing the challenges of undiagnosed dyslexia during his youth, Bryan's fascination with the sounds and structures of language propelled him toward a passion for writing. He began his literary journey at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he audited creative writing classes under esteemed professors. This period marked the beginning of his development into a self-taught literary craftsman.

Bryan gained regional acclaim with his nonfiction work, "SHAG, The Legendary Dance of the South," which celebrates the cultural significance of the iconic Southern dance. His storytelling captures the essence of Southern traditions and the spirit of Myrtle Beach.

In his role as Poet Laureate, Bryan envisions himself as both a "songwriter for the city of Myrtle Beach and a pitchman," aiming to highlight the city's rich cultural heritage through his poetry. His dedication to his craft and his community underscores his commitment to celebrating and preserving the unique identity of Myrtle Beach.

Bryan's appointment as Poet Laureate not only honors his literary achievements but also his deep-rooted connection to Myrtle Beach. Through his work, he continues to enrich the cultural tapestry of the city, offering residents and visitors alike a poetic lens through which to appreciate the area's history and charm.