Noni Howard Papers
Finding aid created by James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
2016
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4400
info@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/gaylesbian
Title: Noni Howard Papers
Dates: 1972-2006 (bulk 1974-2001)
Collection Number: GLC 114
Creator/Collector:
Howard, Noni, 1949-2012.
Extent: 1 cubic foot
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: The collection contains poetry books written by Noni Howard, published by her New World Press, and audio-visual materials
regarding Howard's activities in poetry circles and education. Of note is the video-recording of the First Annual Women's
Poetry Festival of San Francisco which was organized by Howard.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. The 1/2-inch open reel videotape is not available
due to playback equipment requirements.
Copyright retained by the estate of Noni Howard.
Noni Howard Papers. San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Donated by Noni Howard, 2008.
Biography/Administrative History
Helen Eleanor Noni Howard was a lesbian poet, teacher, writer, publisher and therapist. She was born in Montreal, Canada in
1949, and studied at Bishop's University. She received two B.A.s (one in English Literature and the other in Comparative Religion)
from Bishop's and was the editor of "The Mitre" for four or five years. Howard founded the New World Press Collective in 1974
in Vancouver, British Columbia, and was the founder/editor of "Bloodjet" and "Prisma." Her books include "The Politics of
Separation" (1974), "Almost Like Dancing" (1975), "The Anthology of the First Annual Women's Poetry Festival in San Francisco"
(1977), "Share My Fantasies" (1996), and "Tiger Balm" (1997). She moved to California and the First Annual Women's Poetry
Festival (1977) was her brainchild. In May 2004 she was awarded an honorary degree by Frontier University (of Nova Scotia)
and in June 2004, she received a B.A. in Etudes Quebecoises from the same university. In March of 2005, she was named Principal
of Frontier University (its first woman Principal). Noni Howard died in October 2012.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection contains poetry books written by Noni Howard, published by her New World Press, and audio-visual materials
regarding Howard's activities in poetry circles and education. Of note is the video-recording of the First Annual Women's
Poetry Festival of San Francisco which was organized by Howard. The collection is arranged into three series: Series 1. Books
and Writings; Series 2. Subject Files; and, Series 3. Audiovisual Materials.
American poetry--Women authors.
American poetry--20th century.
Lesbians--Poetry.
Lesbian poetry.
Women poets.
Howard, Noni, 1949-2012--Archives.
Women's Poetry Festival of San Francisco (1st: 1977).