Cupertino Poet Laureate

Our Vision

It is the vision of the Cupertino Poet Laureate program to stimulate cultural and literary awareness in Cupertino; introduce youth and adults to the personal and community benefits of poetry both as personal reflection and as reflective of our history and culture; reveal, recognize, and engage literary talent residing in the community; and promote our Library as a cultural center in Cupertino.

Our Mission

To provide the residents of Cupertino programs, workshops, and events which introduce and reinforce poetry as an enriching cultural art form open and accessible to all.

Poet Laureate Playbook

Poet Laureate Playbook 2024(PDF, 277KB) 

Established in 2010, the Cupertino Poet Laureate program’s vision is to stimulate cultural and literary awareness in Cupertino, introduce youth and adults to the personal and community benefits of poetry both as personal reflection and as reflective of our history and culture, reveal, recognize, and engage literary talent residing in the community, and promote our Library as a cultural center in Cupertino.

 The Poet Laureate is a two-year honorary appointment as the literary ambassador for the City of Cupertino. A stipend of $500 will be awarded to the Poet Laureate and is sponsored by the Cupertino Library Foundation for each year of service.

As part of the two-year appointment as Poet Laureate for the City of Cupertino, the Poet Laureate duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide at least two free public workshops at the Cupertino Library
2. Provide at least two public readings of either original works created for these events or past works appropriate to the occasion and audience
3. Participate in two City-sponsored events such as cultural festivals or flag raising ceremonies
4. Attend at least six Library Commission meetings to provide updates on programs and events

To apply for selection as the Poet Laureate, an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant must demonstrate a significant and meaningful tie to the Cupertino community
2. At the time of appointment, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate
3. The applicant must have demonstrated a commitment to poetry through prior publication
4. The applicant must have demonstrated an ability to teach workshops and lead collaborative community partner events

A selection panel chaired by the Cupertino Library Commission’s Poet Laureate Subcommittee will review all applications, and those qualified will be contacted and given an opportunity to interview. The panel will select a Poet Laureate candidate to recommend to the Library Commission. The Library Commission will review the selected candidate and recommend for approval to the Cupertino City Council. The Council will review and formally appoint the Poet Laureate. The appointment will be for an honorary two-year term, beginning in February of every other year.

Objectives

1. To raise awareness of poetry as a viable cultural art form for Cupertino residents in the 21st century, as measured by media presence, event variety, and increasing participation

2. To build interest in the various poetry forms, as measured by event and workshop participation

3. To build a desire within residents to be involved in further art and cultural activities, including poetry, as measured by attendance at offerings through the Library, schools, theatres, museums, centers, and presentation venues

4. To increase active participation in all art forms, especially poetry, by all ages and ethnic communities which form the rich fabric of Cupertino, as measured by offerings and involvement

Programs and Events

Visit the Cupertino Library to view the full list of Poet Laureate programs.

A grassroots effort, the Poet Laureate program was envisioned and created by a committee composed of volunteers from The Friends of the Cupertino Library, the Cupertino Library Foundation, and local teachers and poets. The Poet Laureate program was sanctioned by the Cupertino City Council through Resolution No. 10-230 on December 21, 2010.

Since 2010 the Cupertino Poet Laureate Program has welcomed seven poet laureates, each one bringing a new and unique voice to the honorary position. Over the years countless poetry-related programs, events, contests, and projects have been embraced and celebrated by the Cupertino community.

Poet Laureate Playbook 2016(PDF, 1MB) (for historical context).