The Benicia Poet Laureate Program is on hiatus until July 2026. Recruitment for the new Laureate begins in March, with the new two-year term beginning July 1.
The Benicia Poet Laureate Program has been active for 20 years, with a new Poet Laureate appointed every two years by the Board of Library Trustees. The ad hoc selection committee—one Trustee and four vetted volunteers—will convene in March followed by the opening of the application period. Applicants must reside in Benicia or have a strong, demonstrated connection to the community’s poetry programs, and must also possess the administrative skills required to plan and execute events, organize activities, and publish an anthology.
Kathy Monroe, who served as Poet Laureate from January 2024 through December 2025 will continue the Library’s ongoing poetry programs, including the First Tuesday Poets Group, with the support of volunteers from Benicia Literary Arts in the interim.
POET LAUREATE 2026-2028 APPLICATION
Information:
The Benicia Poet Laureate will serve as the literary ambassador for Benicia, promoting literary art and expression in the community through poetry.
Key Expectations:
- Lead the Benicia Library’s monthly First Tuesday Poetry Group.
- Facilitate the Joel Fallon Poetry Scholarship
- Two-year term (July 2026 – June 2028)
Core Qualifications:
- Love of writing and reading poetry
- Experience presenting poems in a public setting and comfortable with public speaking in general
- Demonstrated support of other poets and the appreciation of poetry in the Benicia community
- Connection to Benicia (Benicia resident or non-resident who lives nearby and is active in the Benicia literary arts community)
- 18 years or older
Other Potential Duties:
In addition to the Key Expectations indicated above, it would be desirable for the Poet Laureate to lead/participate in programs such as those listed below, which have been accomplished by former Benicia Poets Laureate, and/or to develop new and different programs/events promoting poetry in the Benicia community:
- Anthology - Facilitating and/or providing leadership in the creation of an anthology. This is typically accomplished with the generous support of Benicia Literary Arts.
- Love Poems Contest
- Ekphrastic poem events with community art partners such as local museums
- Recitation of poems at civic meetings or events
- Poet’s Picnic
- Poetry Workshops in person or online lead by a poet knowledgeable about the topic
- Monthly Newsletter announcing poetry related events
- Outreach to community: Featured speaker events, Open Mic events, youth poetry awareness events, school visits
