Where Art Thou, O Cupertino Poet Laureate?

Written by L.A. Chung

Could you be Cupertino's next Poet Laureate? 

It could happen. If you love expression that can only be made through poetry, why not try? 

The Poet Laureate's duties in Cupertino are: 
- To introduce youth and adults "to the benefits of personal and community expression"
- Call attention to our city, its incredible variety of cultures, and history

The library and other Cupertino locations will host poetry events, and the Poet Laureate will make personal presentations.

People with disabilities and candidates fluent in languages in addition to English are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have resided o worked in Cupertino for at least two consecutive years, have been published or recognized as a poet, and be at least 21 years old. Samples of poetry must be submitted in English.

Applications are due July 26. Forms can be found at the City Hall Reception Desk, the Reference Desk of the Cupertino Public Library, the Quinlan Community Center, Senior Center, De Anza College and other places throughout the city. You can also visit Poet Laureate site.

The person selected will serve October 2013 to September 2015.

The Cupertino Poet Laureate Selection Committee will set criteria, interview, and recommend candidates to the City Council. Members of the committee include: Adrian Kolb (chair), Ann Stevenson from the Cupertino Library Commission, Thomas Ray, Dean of Language Arts at De Anza College; Kathy Stakey, Friends of the Cupertino Library; Roz Davis, Library Foundation;  Deborah Vanni, English teacher in the Fremont Union High School District; Dave Denny, the first Poet Laureate; and Beverly Lenihan, from the Library Foundation. Contact poetlaureate@cupertino.org with any questions.