Newton Poet Laureate Information Session
Newton is looking for its first poet laureate! If you're a poet who wants to apply--or if you just want to hear more about what a poet laureate does--you're invited to an information session to learn about what the position of poet laureate entails, learn about the application process, and ask any questions you may have.
Meryl Kessler, Newton Director of Arts & Culture, and Lily Weitzman, Manager of Programs & Communications at the Newton Free Library, will start the information session with a presentation about what the position includes and how to apply or nominate someone else. They will then hold a Q&A and answer your questions about the poet laureate application process.
There will be an in-person information session on Tuesday, September 15 at 7pm and another in-person information session on Thursday, September 17 at 2pm, both at the Newton Free Library. A virtual information session will be held on Monday, September 28 at 7pm. The presentation will be the same each time, so you can attend whichever session is most convenient for you. If you are thinking about applying, we encourage you to attend an information session. And if you know someone who might make a good poet laureate, let them know about these sessions!
About the poet laureate position:
The Poet Laureate of Newton is a ceremonial position responsible for elevating poetry as an art form; promoting poetry, the written word, literacy, and literature among our city residents of all ages; engaging the community around poetry-related events; and bringing poetry into the daily lives of the residents of Newton.
Who can apply for poet laureate? Poets can apply themselves, and other city residents may nominate poets. To be considered for the role, applicants/nominees must be:
- At least 18 years old.
- A current resident of Newton who has lived in the city for at least two years prior to nomination and plans to live in the city throughout this appointment.
- Active as a poet with a publication history in books, magazines, and/or media.
- Committed to promoting poetry and making it accessible to the entire community.
- Date:
- Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 8:00pm
- Location:
- Druker Auditorium
- Audience:
- Adult
- Categories:
- Talks & Presentations
- Accessibility:
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided to persons with disabilities requiring assistance. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the city of Newton’s ADA Coordinator at least two business days in advance of the meeting: adacoordinator@newtonma.gov or (617) 796-1440. For Telecommunications Relay Service, please dial 711 or call City Hall’s TTY/TDD line at 617-796-1089.