The City of Newton is looking for its first Poet Laureate

The City of Newton will begin accepting applications for its inaugural Poet Laureate beginning September 19, 2026. Information about the position and the application process is available on the City website. Applications will be accepted through October 16, 2026.

Meryl Kessler, Newton Director of Arts & Culture, and Lily Weitzman, Manager of Programs & Communications at the Newton Free Library, will hold three information sessions for individuals interested in applying or nominating someone else. In-person information sessions will be held at the Newton Free Library on Tuesday, September 15 at 7 p.m. and Thursday, September 17 at 2 p.m. A virtual session will be held on Monday, September 28 at 7 p.m.  Details about the information sessions can be found on the Newton Free Library website.

About the Poet Laureate of Newton

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.

The Poet Laureate will be appointed by the Mayor for a three-year term beginning in January 2027, and duties will include:

• Presenting works at civic events and attending official functions as a literary ambassador
• Developing public programming across the city, including workshops and showcasing events
• Enhancing current Newton Public Schools and Newton Free Library poetry programs through events, engagement, and outreach
• Serving as a resource for the city, the literary community, and Newton’s residents during National Poetry Month in April

The City of Newton will grant an honorarium of $2,000/year to acknowledge the unique significance of the Poet Laureate position.

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.

An Advisory Committee will review applications, interview three candidates, and recommend two finalists to the Mayor, who will make the final selection.  The Advisory Committee includes:

• Amy Alvarez, poet, Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston College
• Rachel Becker, poet and teacher, Newton South High School
• Kasha Gauthier, poet, Newton Cultural Council
• Meg Kearney, poet, founding director, Lasell University’s Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program
• Meryl Kessler, City of Newton, Director of Arts and Culture
• Kevin McLellan, poet, instructor, Lasell University’s Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program
• Lily Weitzman, Newton Free Library, Manager of Programs and Communications

The Poet Laureate will work directly with the Department of Arts and Culture and the Newton Free Library to develop a schedule of public readings, events, and activities.