Local poets will soon have an opportunity to become Santa Clara County’s next poet laureate.
The Santa Clara County Library District, in partnership with SVCREATES and the Poetry Center San Jose, will soon start accepting applications for the 2027-28 Santa Clara County Poet Laureate.
Applications will be accepted July 6-Aug. 14. The honorary position serves as an ambassador for poetry, literature and the arts throughout the county, according to county officials.
The selected poet will serve a two-year term from January 2027 through December 2028 and receive a stipend of $6,000 annually.
“Poets shed new light on the human experience and make us think, feel and dream,” County Librarian Jennifer Weeks said in a statement. “We are happy to once again partner with SVCREATES and Poetry Center San Jose to help select a new local ambassador for this art form.”
The poet laureate program was established by the Board of Supervisors in 2008. The position includes organizing literary events, conducting readings and workshops at county libraries, participating in civic engagements and promoting poetry through community outreach.
Applicants must have lived in Santa Clara County for at least three years, be a published or otherwise recognized poet and be available to travel throughout the county for events. Finalists will be required to complete a background check to work with minors.
To assist prospective applicants, organizers will host informational workshops at the Milpitas Library, 6:30-7:30pm July 7; and the Gilroy Library, 6:30-7:30pm July 13, along with an online information session July 10.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of literary professionals and community leaders from the Greater Bay Area. Applications will be accepted through 5pm Aug. 14. To apply online, visit SVCREATES’ online application portal at svcreates.org/poet-laureate/.
The Board of Supervisors will announce the new poet laureate in November.
