Swampscott To Pick Town Poet Laureate

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott is moving ahead with plans to appoint a town Poet Laureate after the Select Board approved the establishment of a Poet Laureate Selection Committee in November 2025.

The committee has now developed a selection process and said the Poet Laureate is to be appointed by the Select Board by the end of 2026.

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A Poet Laureate is an honorary title given to an outstanding poet by the government, in this case the town of Swampscott. The primary focus of the role is to encourage literary and artistic culture within the community.

The appointee could potentially host community workshops, speak at town civic events and bring poetry into schools and public spaces.

"Swampscott has a strong tradition of celebrating the arts and the people who bring creativity to our community," Swampscott Town Administrator Nick Connors said. "A Poet Laureate will help make poetry more accessible, bring residents together, and add a meaningful new voice to our civic events and shared celebrations."

The Poet Laureate could be asked to write commemorative poems to be read at town events memorializing historical events and celebrating holidays and other community occasions. Poet Laureate appointments last for two years, with a possible third-year extension.

Those applying agree to perform some services to the town during their tenure to bring poetry and literary arts to the public square.

Past-Poet Laureate Shelli Jankowski Smith, when asked about the selection process, said: "I think it's important for communities to name their poets and other representative artists. There are so many ways in which a poet gives voice to our shared experience in a certain place and time ... raises up the voice of our community."

Applicants must submit three poems. There is no minimum line count for each poem, and the maximum length is 40 lines. Two sets of poems must be submitted, one with the author's name and one anonymous for judging.

Submissions will be accepted Sept. 5-25, by email at poetlaureate@swampscottma.gov or by hard copy at Swampscott Public Library, 61 Burrill St., Swampscott, MA 01907, with "Poet Laureate" noted on the envelope.