Hard Freight is Penn State Altoona's literary arts magazine, combining the best student writing in nonfiction, fiction, and poetry with stunning visual art. The magazine's name refers to Altoona's long history with the railroad industry and its culture. Hard Freight is edited and produced by Penn State Altoona students, and students may register for English 209 to receive credit for this experience. Interested in submitting your work? Visit our submissions page.

Scroll down or click here to read the latest issues of Hard Freight.

Hard Freight Open Mic Café

In addition to our online magazine, an open mic Hard Freight Café is held once a semester. The event, which is open to the campus and community, allows students to showcase their writing, music, and other performances. Dates will be announced in advance.

Todd Davis, professor of English and Environmental Studies, reads from his new book of poetry.

Todd Davis, professor of English and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, reads from his new book of poetry.

Credit: Penn State
Levi Custer performs an original song on piano.

Levi Custer performs an original song on piano.

Credit: Penn State
Nia Sierra reads a poem.

Nia Sierra reads a poem.

Credit: Penn State
Todd Davis discusses his poetry.

Todd Davis discusses his poetry.

Credit: Penn State
Erin Murphy, professor of English, read from her new book of poetry, Fluent in Blue.

Erin Murphy, professor of English, read from her new book of poetry, Fluent in Blue.

Credit: Penn State
The crowd enjoys a joke by Jeffery Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

The crowd enjoys a joke by Jeffery Stoyanoff, assistant professor of English and women's, gender, and sexuality studies at Penn State Altoona.

Credit: Penn State
Student Gwendalynn McGinley reads an original poem.

Student Gwendalynn McGinley reads an original poem.

Credit: Penn State
Student Talon McKendree shares his original artwork.

Student Talon McKendree shares his original artwork.

Credit: Penn State
Student Bloom West reads a short story.

Student Bloom West reads a short story.

Credit: Penn State
Student Kathryn Maille reads one of her poems.

Student Kathryn Maille reads one of her poems.

Credit: Penn State
Student Ishmael Bruney reads an original poem.

Student Ishmael Bruney reads an original poem.

Credit: Penn State
Student Nathan Colyer reads an original poem.

Student Nathan Colyer reads an original poem.

Credit: Penn State
Student Liz Green performs a song by Mary J. Blige.

Student Liz Green performs a song by Mary J. Blige.

Credit: Penn State
English faculty emeritus Thomas Liszka recites one of his original poems.

English faculty emeritus Thomas Liszka recites one of his original poems.

Credit: Penn State
Student Alayna Mark reads her work.

Student Alayna Mark reads her work.

Credit: Penn State
Student Ember Brown reads an original short story.

Student Ember Brown reads an original short story.

Credit: Penn State
The audience enjoys the open mic event.

The audience enjoys the open mic event.

Credit: Penn State
Student Jay Schmidt shares an original poem.

Student Jay Schmidt shares an original poem.

Credit: Penn State
Student Ollie Mearkle reads an original poem.

Student Ollie Mearkle reads an original poem.

Credit: Penn State
Kylea Myers, Theatre and Gallery Coordinator for the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts, shares an original creative nonfiction essay.

Kylea Myers, theatre and gallery coordinator for the Misciagna Family Center for Performing Arts at Penn State Altoona, shares an original creative nonfiction essay.

Credit: Penn State
Student Genevieve Henderson shares her writing.

Student Genevieve Henderson shares her writing.

Credit: Penn State
Student Emma Moniz reads an original short story.

Student Emma Moniz reads an original short story.

Credit: Penn State

Archive of Hard Freight Issues