Poets who call Santa Clara County home are encouraged to apply for the honorary role of Santa Clara County Poet Laureate for the 2027-2028 term.
The Santa Clara County Library District, in partnership with SVCREATES and with support from Poetry Center San José, is seeking a poet to serve as a community ambassador for poetry, literature and the arts. The selected poet will participate in public readings, civic events and community engagement activities throughout the two-year term, which runs from January 2027 through December 2028.
The Poet Laureate receives a stipend of $6,000 annually and is expected to host signature literary events, conduct library workshops and readings, and participate in civic engagements across the county. Eligible applicants must have lived in Santa Clara County for at least three years, be a published or otherwise recognized poet and be available to serve the full term.
Applications will be accepted July 6 through Aug. 14, 2026, with submissions due by 5 p.m. PST through SVCREATES’ online portal. Workshops and informational sessions will be offered throughout July to help prospective applicants learn more about the opportunity.
The new Poet Laureate will be appointed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and announced in November 2026.
For more information, see svcreates.org/Poet-Laureate.
