The Kenyon Department of English sponsors readings, lectures and workshops by major poets and fiction writers, as well as readings by younger published writers, Kenyon faculty and talented student writers.
Writers who have visited Kenyon in recent years include Derek Walcott, Eavan Boland, E.L. Doctorow, Alan Shapiro, Les Murray, Craig Arnold, Robert Mezey, Wyatt Prunty, Paul Muldoon, Jeredith Merrin, Carter Revard, Diana Garcia, Tenaya Darlington, Dana Levin, Bruce Smith, Catie Rosemurgy, Susan Stewart, David Ferry, and Jason Sommer.
Kenyon is also a member of the Great Lakes College Association (GLCA) and a sponsor of this association's New Writers Award. This award recognizes newly published writers and introduces the best among them to students and faculty on GLCA campuses. Since 1970, an award is made each year for a first published volume of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Each award winner then has the opportunity of touring the GLCA campuses to give readings, meet students and faculty and lead discussions and/or classes.