CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The City of Whittier Poet Laureate serves as a herald for Whittier’s poets and
their work. The Poet Laureate is dedicated to building community through
poetry and encouraging a love of poetry among people of all ages.

MISSION
The mission of the Poet Laureate is to promote the influence of poetry and
enrich the lives of citizens by sharing and encouraging the gift of poetry.

EXPECTATIONS
•Contribute to the growth of poetry in Whittier.
•Attend area literary events.
•Perform at civic and community events as requested, minimum 4 per year.

REQUIREMENTS
•Admirable and proven level of skill in writing poetry.
•Promising aptitude to promote awareness and enjoyment of poetry in Whittier.
•Must be 18 or older.
•Must reside within Whittier City limits for at least 2 years.

RECOGNITION
•Press coverage related to performances and special projects.
•$1,000 Honorarium awarded at the end of the 2 year term.

TERM
The term of service is two years. The Poet Laureate will also join the committee
in the search for a successor to the position at the end of the term.

APPLICATION PROCESS
A general call for applications is made. The application will be available on
Whittierlibrary.org and shared on the City’s social media pages.

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
•Completed application form, and a binding statement assuring that the
 poems are original, and materials submitted are true.
•Work sample not to exceed 5 pages, one poem per page.
•Personal Statement (no more than 500 words)

Directions To Apply:

Submit the following stapled together on the upper-left hand side:
•The Cover Sheet
•Completed application
•Supporting documents (not to exceed 6 pages)
 at the front desk of either Whittier Public Library location:
•Central Library-7344 Washington Ave. or
•Whittwood Branch Library-10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, October 31, 2025 or until 150 submissions are
received, whichever occurs first.

QUESTIONS?: Call 562-567-9900