Clallam County Seeks Its Next Poet Laureate; Applications Open October 14
This position comes with an annual stipend of $5,000 ($10,000 total over the two-year term) in recognition of the appointed poet’s time and energy in participating in or hosting events as well as to support the poet’s craft and practice.
By R.E. Carlino | The Sequim Post
The Clallam County Poet Laureate program aims to bring people together through poetry, celebrating diverse voices and perspectives across the county. It encourages residents to see their communities and the wider world through a different lens, while reflecting on the shared experiences and connections that bring people together.
The online application form will be available beginning Wednesday, October 14, and will close at 4pm on Wednesday, December 9. To submit an application, please visit: NOLS.org/NextPoet.
The North Olympic Library has provided this reference PDF to preview application questions so that applicants can prepare their answers ahead of time. Application information requires three references, answering a few narrative questions, supporting documentations and work samples, and an optional digital video recording of up to five (5) minutes.
The selected Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term, bringing poetry to residents of the county by participating in monthly events, leading workshops, and "championing the community power of the written and spoken word." According to NOLS, this position comes with an annual stipend of $5,000 ($10,000 total over the two-year term) in recognition of the appointed poet’s time and energy in participating in or hosting events as well as to support the poet’s craft and practice. Notification of the appointment will be made by March 2027. The term will begin in April 2027 and run through March 2029.
Current Poet Laureate
Nellie Bridge currently serves as Clallam County Poet Laureate through March 2027. See upcoming events at NOLS.org/Poet.
The Clallam County Poet Laureate program began in 2023. Jaiden Dokken served as the first Poet Laureate (April 2023 through March 2025).
Program Partners
The 2027-29 Clallam County Poet Laureate position is funded by the North Olympic Library Foundation, the Friends of Sequim Library, and the Port Angeles Friends of the Library.
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