Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry

Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry is an annual position housed within the Library of Congress, serving as the nation's official poet. Established by an act of Congress in 1985, the role evolved from the earlier position of Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. The laureate is appointed to raise national appreciation for poetry and the literary arts through public engagements, readings, and special projects.

History and establishment

The position's origins trace to 1937 when Archibald MacLeish, then the Librarian of Congress, established the Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress to serve as a literary advisor. This role was held by eminent figures like Allen Tate, Robert Frost, and Elizabeth Bishop. In 1985, at the urging of Senator Spark Matsunaga, the U.S. Congress passed legislation transforming the consultancy into the current titled position. The first individual to hold the new title was Robert Penn Warren, who had previously served as a Consultant in Poetry. This legislative change, signed into law by the Reagan administration, aimed to give the post greater public visibility and a more defined national mission, aligning it with traditions like the British Poet Laureate but with a distinct, project-oriented American character.

Role and responsibilities

The laureate's primary duty is to foster a greater appreciation for poetry and literature across the United States. Unlike many ceremonial posts, the position is designed to be active, with the incumbent conceptualizing and leading a major national literary project during their term. Typical responsibilities include giving an annual lecture and reading at the Library of Congress, advising the library on its literary collections and programs, and participating in public outreach. Laureates often embark on national tours, engage with educational institutions like the University of Iowa or Harvard University, and collaborate with organizations such as the Academy of American Poets or the National Endowment for the Arts. The role is deliberately flexible, allowing each poet to shape the position around their artistic vision and public interests.

Appointment process and term

The Poet Laureate is appointed annually by the Librarian of Congress, who seeks recommendations from distinguished poetry critics, former laureates, and producers of literary events. While the appointment is formally made by the Librarian of Congress, the process involves consultation with literary organizations and a review of the candidate's body of work and potential for public engagement. The term runs from October to May of the following year, and poets may be reappointed for a second term, as was the case with Stanley Kunitz, Billy Collins, and Joy Harjo. There is no formal confirmation process by the Senate or the President, maintaining the position's independence from direct political influence. The laureate receives a modest stipend and an office in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress.

List of Poets Laureate

Following Robert Penn Warren, the position has been held by a diverse array of influential American poets. Subsequent laureates include Richard Wilbur, Howard Nemerov, and Mark Strand. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw appointments like Mona Van Duyn, Rita Dove—the first African-American to hold the title—and Robert Pinsky, whose Favorite Poem Project became a landmark initiative. More recent appointees include Louise Glück, who later won the Nobel Prize in Literature, Juan Felipe Herrera, the first Chicano poet laureate, and Tracy K. Smith. The current laureate, Ada Limón, was appointed in 2022 and succeeded Joy Harjo, the first Native American to hold the position.

Impact and notable projects

Laureates have historically used the platform to launch significant, enduring public projects that expand poetry's reach. Robert Pinsky's Favorite Poem Project collected video recordings of Americans from all walks of life reading their favorite poems. Billy Collins initiated Poetry 180, a program to bring poetry into high schools. Kay Ryan promoted concise, accessible poetry through her "Poetry for the Mind's Joy" initiative. Juan Felipe Herrera championed community and youth voices with his "La Casa de Colores" project. Joy Harjo, during her unprecedented three terms, created the groundbreaking living digital map "Living Nations, Living Words," featuring the work of contemporary Native American poets. These projects, often archived at the Library of Congress, have permanently enriched the nation's cultural landscape and democratized engagement with poetic art.

Category:American poets Category:Library of Congress Category:National symbols of the United States Category:American literary awards