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This April marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month, which was launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to foster a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s most ancient literary traditions. Throughout the month, libraries, schools, publishers, and poets will host various events to honor poetry, and it also coincides with the appointment of a new Poet Laureate. For anyone curious about what a Poet Laureate actually is and what their role involves, here are some key facts about this prestigious title.
1. THE FORMAL DESIGNATION IN THE UNITED STATES IS POET LAUREATE CONSULTANT IN POETRY TO THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
The Great Hall at the Library of Congress, Geoff Livingston via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0
The role of Poet Laureate, as it exists today, was officially created in 1985 through an act of Congress. Prior to that, a similar position, called Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, was established in 1937. Only poets appointed after the 1985 title was introduced are recognized as laureates. Those who were appointed earlier are known as 'consultants in poetry,' or simply 'consultants.' While both positions hold equal prestige, their responsibilities differ. Consultants primarily served as experts on the Library of Congress's poetry collections, while laureates are more focused on fostering public engagement and promoting poetry education.
2. SEVERAL OTHER COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS U.S. STATES AND CITIES, HAVE THEIR OWN VERSIONS.
Great Britain has long honored the art of poetry by naming a laureate (a tradition that dates back almost continuously to 1668). However, they aren't alone in this practice. More than a dozen countries around the world have adopted the tradition, whether as a rotating role or a special recognition for a distinguished poet. In the U.S., most states have their own state laureates, and the practice is even expanding to cities and boroughs—such as Brooklyn—appointing their own poet laureates.
3. IN THE UNITED STATES, THEY ARE APPOINTED BY THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS.
Library of Congress card catalog, Rich Renomeron via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
In Britain, the Poet Laureate is appointed by the monarch, with advice from the Prime Minister, while local poet laureates are selected by various organizations. In contrast, the United States' official Poet Laureate is chosen annually by the Librarian of Congress. The Librarian consults with current and past laureates, esteemed poetry critics, and staff members from the Library’s Poetry and Literature Center before making a selection. Naturally, the Librarian also has access to the Library’s vast poetry collection to aid in their decision-making process.
4. THE OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ARE FEW, AND THEIR IMPACT CAN VARY WIDELY.
Poets Laureate generally aim to raise national awareness and appreciation for poetry. Their official duties are relatively light, requiring them to give one reading or lecture at the start of their term and another at its conclusion. Beyond that, they have the freedom to shape their role based on their personal interests. Some dive into public outreach, initiating large-scale projects and initiatives, while others focus more quietly on their own creative work. For example, Joseph Brodsky launched a program to bring poetry to public spaces like airports and supermarkets, while Rita Dove championed the African-American experience and advocated for children’s poetry.
5. THEY DO RECEIVE PAYMENT, BUT IT’S NOT A GENEROUS ONE.
Archer M. Huntington via Huntingdon.org // Public Domain
The United States Poet Laureate receives a $35,000 stipend, which was originally designed to allow the laureate to focus fully on poetry without the concern of earning a living. This salary is not funded by taxpayers but by an endowment established by philanthropist Archer Milton Huntington in 1936. Although the amount has remained unchanged since 1985 and has not kept pace with inflation, it still serves as a meaningful addition to the laureate's other sources of income. Historically, the UK Poet Laureate once received a wine allotment as part of their pay—a perk that, if applied to the US stipend, would certainly make the $35,000 more appealing. (The UK revived this tradition in 1972, and their laureate now enjoys a barrel of sherry.)
6. THERE EXISTS A CHILDREN’S LAUREATE.
Reading is often a love that begins in childhood, and some institutions have taken steps to foster this passion by appointing writers to honorary roles focused on children’s literature. In 2006, the Poetry Foundation introduced its first Children's Poet Laureate (now known as the Young People’s Poet Laureate) to increase recognition of children's poetry and inspire more poets to write for young audiences. Additionally, the Library of Congress has its own National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a role inspired by Britain’s Children’s Laureate, awarded biennially to a prominent author or illustrator who has made significant contributions to children’s literature. This position is broader in scope than just poetry and is currently held by graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang.
7. THEY ARE CONTINUING A TIME-HONORED TRADITION.
A golden laurel wreath from the Hellenistic era, Jebulon via Wikimedia // Public Domain
The tradition of appointing a poet laureate dates back centuries. The role was once a highly esteemed one in the Greco-Roman world, though it faded after the classical era. In 1315, Italian poet, historian, statesman, and playwright Albertino Mussato was given a scroll and crowned with a wreath made of myrtle, ivy, and laurel (the source of the term 'laureate'), becoming the first Poet Laureate of the post-classical age for his tragedy *Ecerinis*. In 1341, Petrarch was crowned Poet Laureate in Rome, establishing the tradition that continues today. While modern laureates no longer wear crowns, they still carry the title inspired by that ancient practice.
8. RITA DOVE WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN AND THE FIRST WOMAN TO BE NAMED POET LAUREATE.
Dove was also the youngest person to hold the position at the time—she was only 40 when appointed as the seventh Poet Laureate in 1993. (Prior to her appointment, other women and African-Americans had served as Consultants in Poetry to the Library of Congress.)
9. MEXICAN-AMERICAN POET LAUREATE JUAN FELIPE HERRERA HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO A SECOND TERM.
Slowking via Wikimedia // CC BY-NC 3.0
Herrera, who made history as the first-ever Latino Poet Laureate of the United States, was appointed to a second term on April 13. A child of migrant workers, Herrera’s poetry often delves into the themes of Mexican-American identity and experience.
10. THE PUBLIC PLAYED A ROLE IN ONE OF HERRERA’S POETRY PROJECTS.
During his first term as Laureate, Herrera launched a two-part online project called *La Casa de Colores*. The first phase, *La Familia*, invited people to contribute a verse to a collaborative epic poem about the American experience. The project, which ran throughout Herrera’s term, featured a new theme each month exploring aspects of American life, culture, and values. The public submitted between 500 and 800 contributions each month before the project concluded earlier this month. The second part, *El Jardín*, where Herrera shares treasures from the Library of Congress collections, remains online, and he’s currently considering new projects for his second term, which begins in September.
