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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In Gratitude

How can we nurture hope during these trying times? Sustain courage? Connect and uplift one another?

Six months. One city. Writing & reading our way into hope, together.

In Gratitude is a six-month, citywide initiative that aims to nurture hope and spread joy through reading, writing, and personal reflection, inspired by renowned poet + essayist Ross Gay.

The project will be celebrated with readings and performances as part of the Silo City Reading Series on June 27, 2026.

The “Gratitude” Boxes

Our uniquely designed “Gratitude boxes” will be located at our partner sites, listed below. Simply visit a location, grab a provided prompt card, and “Write & Drop” a brief moment of gratitude.

Read more about the “In Gratitude” boxes here.

The In Gratitude Events Calendar

Check out what events are coming up around Buffalo for the In Gratitude project, including creative workshops, book discussion groups, pop-up events, and more.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
Reading & Discussion Group with Luke Daly March 11, 2026

Reading & Discussion: Ross Gay’s Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude With Teaching Artist Luke Daly

Join us at the Just Buffalo Literary Center for an evening dedicated to "serious noticing." As part of our city-wide In Gratitude project, poet and guest facilitator Luke Daly will lead a discussion into Ross Gay’s National Book Critics Circle Award-winning collection, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.

468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

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Saturday, March 21, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
In Gratitude Open Hours - Creative Writing Programs - Adult Writing Workshops - Writing Center - March 21, 2026 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Open Hours: In Gratitude Session

OPEN HOURS is a cafe-style gathering that provides a dedicated time and place to focus on your writing, create new work, and take creative risks. This session is inspired by the "In Gratitude" project—a city-wide initiative rooted in the "serious noticing" of everyday delights.

468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

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Wednesday, April 8, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
In Gratitude Open Hours - Creative Writing Programs - Adult Writing Workshops - Writing Center - April 8, 2026 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Open Hours: In Gratitude Session

OPEN HOURS is a cafe-style gathering that provides a dedicated time and place to focus on your writing, create new work, and take creative risks. This session is inspired by the "In Gratitude" project—a city-wide initiative rooted in the "serious noticing" of everyday delights.

468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

View Event
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Duende at Silo City
Reading & Discussion Group with Joshua Thermidor April 15, 2026

Reading & Discussion: Ross Gay’s Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude With Joshua Thermidor

Join us at the Just Buffalo Literary Center for an evening dedicated to "serious noticing." As part of our city-wide In Gratitude project, poet and teaching artist Joshua Thermidor will lead a discussion into Ross Gay’s National Book Critics Circle Award-winning collection, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.

85 Silo City Row Buffalo, NY 14203

Get Tickets Now View Event
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Duende at Silo City
Reading & Discussion Group with Joshua Thermidor April 29, 2026

Reading & Discussion: Ross Gay’s Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude With Joshua Thermidor

Join us at the Just Buffalo Literary Center for an evening dedicated to "serious noticing." As part of our city-wide In Gratitude project, poet and teaching artist Joshua Thermidor will lead a discussion into Ross Gay’s National Book Critics Circle Award-winning collection, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.

85 Silo City Row Buffalo, NY 14203

Get Tickets Now View Event
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
In Gratitude Open Hours - Creative Writing Programs - Adult Writing Workshops - Writing Center - May 6, 2026 - Just Buffalo Literary Center

Open Hours: In Gratitude Session

OPEN HOURS is a cafe-style gathering that provides a dedicated time and place to focus on your writing, create new work, and take creative risks. This session is inspired by the "In Gratitude" project—a city-wide initiative rooted in the "serious noticing" of everyday delights.

468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

View Event
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Just Buffalo Literary Center
Teachers ARE Writers with Luke Daly June 2, 2026

Teachers ARE Writers with Luke Daly (In Gratitude Session)

In this creative writing workshop, we provide a dedicated space for teachers and educators to reconnect with their own creative practices. This session is inspired by the In Gratitude project—a city-wide initiative rooted in the "serious noticing" of everyday joy.

468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

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No event found!

No events currently scheduled. Check back soon for updates to the calendar!

The Latest In Gratitude News

Stay up-to-date on the latest news about the In Gratitude project from the Just Buffalo Writing Center.

The Yearning To Hold a Living Thing Too Close by Luke Daly
Sunday, March 1, 2026
The Yearning To Hold a Living Thing Too Close by Luke Daly
Sparrow is the shape of my palate—
I put her in my mouth. I form my lips
into a holy-oak bivouac, field observatory
Read "The Yearning To Hold a Living Thing Too Close" by Luke Daly
Reading, Discussion, and Gratitude
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Reading, Discussion, and Gratitude
At Just Buffalo Literary Center, we believe reading is a transformative act. By engaging with the voices of poets like Ross Gay, we learn to look with new eyes, discovering that the habit of reading can sharpen our empathy and spark joy.
First Look — “In Gratitude” Boxes
Thursday, February 12, 2026
First Look — “In Gratitude” Boxes
The first round of the "In Gratitude" boxes have officially been delivered to locations across the city of Buffalo. These boxes are physical invitations to pause, notice, and record the everyday joys, the small wonders that make up our daily lives.
“Sorrow Is Not My Name” by Ross Gay
Sunday, February 1, 2026
“Sorrow Is Not My Name” by Ross Gay
No matter the pull toward brink. No
matter the florid, deep sleep awaits.
There is a time for everything.
Read "Sorrow Is Not My Name" by Ross Gay
Announcing “In Gratitude”: A City-Wide Practice of Hope
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Announcing “In Gratitude”: A City-Wide Practice of Hope
We are thrilled to announce "In Gratitude," a city-wide reading and writing initiative designed to bring our community together. This project invites us all to practice "unabashed gratitude"—a concept inspired by the renowned poet and essayist Ross Gay.
All IN GRATITUDE News