Do you love reading? Do you love writing? Do you enjoy sharing your love of literature with fellow like-minded people? Then the American Writers Museum is the place for you! Become a member today and join our thriving community of book lovers and talented writers. Here are five reasons why you should become a member of the American Writers Museum.
Unlimited Free Admission
As a member of the American Writers Museum you’ll be able to visit at any time free of charge. What’s included with admission? Everything! You’ll have access to all of our permanent exhibits, plus our special temporary exhibits like Bob Dylan: Electric and Tools of the Trade, as well as the forthcoming My America: Immigrant and Refugee Writers Today. Whether you have a whole day to spend or just want some literary inspiration on your lunch break (don’t worry, we won’t tell your boss), you’re always welcome.
Meet Your Favorite Authors
Our vibrant, engaging and inspiring Author Programs bring you face-to-face with some of this country’s most renowned contemporary writers. From transcendent poets like Eve L. Ewing and Nikki Giovanni to futuristic sci-fi legends like J. Michael Straczynski and John Scalzi, our programs have something for everyone. And as a member, you can attend most author programs for free! In addition to our regular programming, we often host members-only events that include author meet-and-greets. You’ve read their words, but these events are your chance to interact with your favorite writers in an intimate setting like never before.
Discounted Rates for Your Friends
We’re big fans of bonding with friends over a great book written by a great writer, which is why we encourage members to bring their friends to the AWM at a discounted rate! When you register as a member, not only will you receive two one-time-use guest passes to bring friends in for free, but after that you can bring guests in for 50% off the admission price on each visit. This deal also applies to programs, where you can bring a friend for just $6. What better way to show your friends how cool you are than a trip to the American Writers Museum?
Gift Shop Discounts
Our gift shop is a literature-lover’s heaven, and as a member you’ll get 15% off retail purchases. With a wide array of items like book cover t-shirts, writing advice books, Edgar Allan Poe-ka dot socks (for real), and so much more, the AWM gift shop is the place to go for literary-themed merchandise. Whether you are looking for a special gift for someone or just want to spruce up your closet or writing desk with some bookish swag, become a member with us and we’ll help you bring out your inner book nerd, all at a discounted rate!
Reciprocal Admission at AWM Affiliates
We have partnered with more than 70 author homes and museums nationwide to form the AWM Author Home Affiliates. So far, a dozen of these author homes offer reciprocal admission to AWM members, ranging from The Beat Museum in San Francisco to Thoreau Farm in Massachusetts and many more across the country. This is a great opportunity to delve further into the lives and writings of your favorite authors and see the very homes, gardens, and farms where they lived and worked. We also have complimentary bookmarks at our front desk that represent each AWM Author Home Affiliate, so come grab yours today!
BONUS: Free AWM Swag!
Speaking of free stuff, if you give a gift membership this holiday season you’ll receive an AWM pen and notebook set as part of the gift, pictured below. An AWM membership is sure to inspire and encourage the literary lovers and word nerds in your life, plus, add the pen and notebook and before you know it you’ll be mentioned in the acknowledgements of the next great American novel on your hands!

I’m a poet and radio broadcaster based in Pakistan. I’m interested in American literature and American Writers Museum. I would love to be member of this prestigious organization. Best regards