Poet Laureate

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Meet Whittier's First Poet Laureate!

Alejandra Roggero Poet Laureate 2026-image of poet holding books in the Central Library

The Whittier Public Library is proud to introduce Alejandra Roggero as Whittier's first Poet Laureate.

A Poet Laureate is a local poet selected to represent and promote poetry in the community. For the first time in the City's history, Whittier's Poet Laureate will highlight poetry through local events, programs, and community spaces while encouraging creativity and appreciation for the arts throughout the city.

The position was filled through an open application process for Whittier residents age 18 and older. Applicants submitted original poetry samples and personal statements for review, and Alejandra was selected by a subcommittee of Library Board Trustees and Cultural Arts Commissioners to serve a two-year term.

A longtime poet, performer, and community advocate, Alejandra has spent more than a decade sharing the power of poetry and storytelling with others.

"It's an honor to serve our amazing City as its first Poet Laureate and to share poetry with our diverse, multi-generational community," Alejandra shared.

Join us in welcoming Alejandra to this historic role for the City of Whittier.

Poet Bio:

Alejandra Roggero is a Whittier College graduate and the author of four collections of prose and poetry, including The Town and La Matriarca. She is the owner of Guerita Vintage and works as a television producer for Fuse Media. She’s also one of the founders of Poetry for the Masses, a monthly workshop and collective in South Pasadena open to writers of all levels. Her work seeks to soften readers — perhaps even to the point of dissolution. Her forthcoming book, soft serve, is set to be published in 2027.

THE PROCESS

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)

QUESTIONS?: Call 562-567-9900