Town Poet Laureate Applications Being Accepted In Southbury

SOUTHBURY, CT — Southbury is seeking applicants to serve as the town’s next Poet Laureate, as the current term held by Faith Vicinanza concludes on Oct. 31.

The Southbury Public Library, Sustainable Southbury, and the Southbury Arts and Culture Alliance announced the opening of the application period, which runs through Aug. 29. The next three-year term will begin on Oct. 31, 2025, and run through Oct. 30, 2028.

The honorary role is open to Southbury residents over the age of 18 who have published poetry. The selected Poet Laureate will be expected to lead public readings, conduct writing workshops with the library and community organizations, and promote poetry at town events.

“Art and culture are an important part of our community,” said First Selectman Jeff Manville. “A Town Poet Laureate would be a welcome addition to our community.”

Poet Laureate programs, modeled after the national and state positions, aim to promote poetry and literacy by engaging residents through readings and educational programming.

Applications are available online at southburylibrary.org, sustainablesouthbury.org, and southburyartsandculturealliance.org. Completed applications must be submitted by Aug. 29 and can be mailed or delivered to the Southbury Public Library, c/o Heather Aronson, at The Heritage Hotel, 522 Poverty Road, Southbury, CT 06488.

Southbury Town Poet Laureate Committee: from left Kelly Keenan SACA, Heather Aronson Head Librarian, Southbury Public Library, Faith Vicinanza current Southbury Town Poet Laureate, and Kristen Angell-Issepi, SACA. Missing - Fadwa Najamy Sustainable Southbury. (Photo by Fadwa Najamy)