Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and care for our community, Just Buffalo Literary Center has postponed a number of events, and we will follow the guidance of Buffalo Public Schools in terms of Just Buffalo Writing Center programming.

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JBWC Creative Writing Programs

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) opened its doors in April of 2014, creating an entirely new nucleus for all of Just Buffalo’s education programs. Our creative writing programs have served schools throughout Western New York for more than 40 years.

Along with our FREE afterschool creative writing programs for youth (ages 12-18), the JBWC provides adults with space to write, learn, and connect with other writers. The JBWC is also a great resource for encouraging and supporting the teachers and schools in our community.

June 2025
Open Hours June 2025

Open Hours

OPEN HOURS provides a dedicated time and place for you to focus on your writing. Create new work and improve your writing skills. Get inspired by the non-circulating library at Just Buffalo, and enjoy the company of other writers in one of Buffalo's most beautiful downtown locations.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
468 Washington St., 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY
  • Just Buffalo Literary Center
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No events currently scheduled. Check back soon for the Fall 2024 JBWC calendar!

Just Buffalo Writing Center JBWC

About the JBWC

The Just Buffalo Writing Center provides access to writing workshops, literary events, and one-on-one assistance with all kinds of creative writing.

Creative Writing Programs for Youth

Our FREE after-school creative writing programs, including all youth writing workshops and other JBWC youth events, are aimed at young writers aged 12–18 and have options to join in-person or virtually.

Wordplay Mural - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Youth Publications

Check out writing by young writers and artists from the JBWC after-school creative writing programs, as well as young writers we work with across Western New York.

Made-To-Order Poems - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Made-to-Order Poems

Order a poem on a topic of your choosing and support Buffalo’s next generation of literary voices. All poems are written by students of the Just Buffalo Writing Center.

Writer Residency

Our Teaching Artists

Just Buffalo’s teaching artists represent the best of Western New York’s literary presence, from poetry and fiction to playwriting, non-fiction, and beyond.

JBWC Youth Fellowship logo - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Youth Fellowship Program

The Just Buffalo Writing Center Youth Fellowship offers 1-2 motivated young writer(s) the opportunity to develop their craft and explore professional avenues within the literary arts.

Youth Ambassadors 2023 in JB library 750x750

Youth Ambassador Program

Youth Ambassadors have the unique opportunity to play an integral role in the development and success of the JBWC’s programs and events.

JBWC Testimonials

  • "Learning new forms of communication, getting into college, performing, publishing: Just Buffalo has assisted so many young people in finding success. Without Just Buffalo, I would have never thought this passionate hobby could be something more; they inspire and motivate."

    Leni, student

  • "Just Buffalo encourages young writers to explore the arts and hone their craft, but more importantly it is an unconditionally welcoming community. The ages of 12-18 have always been a tumultuous time, but now more than ever teens need a place to make connections where they are accepted unreservedly. Just Buffalo does all that while keeping the culture of writing & reading alive and well in Buffalo."

    Theo

  • "JBWC is honestly one of the greatest resources I've come across for young writers and I'm so glad I did."

    Marie, student

  • “The JBWC introduced me to other people with similar interests. Now I actually have people who will listen to all my crazy ideas.”

    Carson, student

  • "It's an amazing program with a kind of access to working writers of all stripes that exceeds what is available at many writing colleges. It's made her a better person and given her great relationships."

    Parent

  • "At a time when opportunities for young people to express themselves seem to grow slimmer, the JBWC is a place that offers hope because, whatever race, class, or identity, we come together and create—all inhibitions are gone."

    Ates, student

  • "I come to JBWC because it is the only place for me to connect with other writers. Before coming here I had never gotten an opinion or even let anyone outside of my family read my writing. They gave me new ways to look at my stories and helped me develop new techniques while writing. At JBWC...I am encouraged to dig deeper and find the heart of the story."

    Reatha, student

  • "Before coming here I had never let anyone outside of my family read my writing. The JBWC gave me new ways to look at my stories and helped me develop new techniques."

    Reatha, student

  • "Without Just Buffalo, I might never have laid the foundation necessary for me to start growing into the writer that I need to become. I might never have learned how communal the practice and art of writing is and the true impact that it has on others-- from the individual to massive social movements. I might never have been able to discover and find confidence in my own voice."

    Emma, student

  • "The JBWC is a lively, diverse, collaborative community of young people with amazing ideas and voices all their own."

    Parent

  • "The first time I read one of my poems out loud I felt powerful. I felt like after years of sitting in solitude, I was finally free to voice my thoughts and dreams. JBWC gave me that power."

    Hemingway, student

  • "When I first heard about the Writing Center, I wasn’t sure it was for me. Since my first time stopping in, I’ve had a much stronger urge to write and have been attending the meetings now to be around people I can learn new things from. It’s been super welcoming as a new writer. After just a few months of attending, I’ve had 3 poems published. Someone called me a poet the other day and my first thought was, “I guess I am a poet now!”

    Rosemary, student

  • "For me, Just Buffalo’s Writing Center acts as a second home. It's a vibrant community of young writers and artists that has given me opportunities to grow and share my art in ways I never would have thought to be possible."

    Liam, student

  • "The JBWC has challenged my daughter intellectually, and helped her gain confidence and become a more expressive writer."

    Parent

  • "When I first came to a JBWC workshop, I was shy and anxious at the thought of sharing my writing. Spending time at the JBWC has encouraged me to perform my writing at events. The center has provided me with the resources, support, and opportunity to grow as a writer. I believe that my experiences at the JBWC will positively influence me for life."

    Elle, student

  • "The JBWC is an atmosphere filled with open minds and curiosity. Peers at the JBWC are always willing to listen. Each of us come from different backgrounds but we all come together to exchange stories. I am constantly inspired by the other young artists at the center and spending time with them pushes me to become more confident in my writer identity."

    Zanaya, student

  • "Because of the JBWC, I am a global citizen. I can think and write outside my comfort zone, to speak about issues larger than myself."

    Trinity

  • “The JBWC provides a friendly atmosphere for young writers to express themselves freely, without judgment.”

    Cheryl, volunteer

  • "I can't imagine a better incubator for creativity."

    Stacy, parent

  • "There's always something fun for you to do, whether crafting poetic lines together, trying your hand at comics or filmmaking, or getting inspired to revisit an old writing piece from when you were 12."

    Lucy, student

  • "Just Buffalo is an organization that wants to see youth succeed; they give us incredible opportunities, prepare us for college, help us find a place in the world once we have to leave the nest."

    Sage, student

Creative Writing Programs for Adults

Our creative writing programs for adults (ages 19 and up) are designed for any level of writer, from beginner to advanced. Taught by established writers, you can hone your craft in a relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere.

Creative Writing Programs for Teachers

We at the JBWC believe that teachers are the most passionate, dedicated, and creative people on the planet, and we want to support their creativity. That’s why our creative writing programs offer professional development opportunities just for them.

In-School Programming & Field Trips

One of Just Buffalo’s greatest strengths is our ability to reach students of all ages and abilities—gifted and talented, at-risk, or special needs—and we’re proud to work with public, private, Catholic, and charter schools, as well as community centers throughout Western New York.

Become a Teaching Artist

Are you interested in becoming a Just Buffalo teaching artist? Find out what it takes to get involved in our creative writing workshops.

Volunteer

Want to help guide young writers? Sign up to work with teens 12–18 on writing and more during open hours at the JBWC.

Donate

We believe in the power of the literary arts to change individual lives and communities. Help us put that vision into action.

Where?

Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
Buffalo, NY 14203
(Look for the typewriter mural!)
OR
Virtual via Zoom (for some events)

When?

See JBWC events for times

How Do I Get There?

Train: Lafayette Square Station
Bus: 6, 14, 16, 24, 42, 74, 76
Parking: Free street parking after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends