Library Board Meeting Date: January 10th, 2024
To: Board Members
From: Natalie Draper, Library Director
Title
Poet Laureate.
Body
Action Requested:
Discuss the process to search for a new Poet Laureate.
Summary Report:
The position of Northfield Poet Laureate was established in 2016 by the Northfield Public Library, in collaboration with the City of Northfield Arts and Culture Commission. The position was funded in its initial year through a grant by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC). Rob Hardy has served our literary city extremely well in the role for several years and, as a tough act to follow, recommended appointing D.E. Green and Becky Boling as a team to serve in his place as interim Poets Laureate in 2023 until a search could be conducted. They have also done a wonderful job in the role and we are grateful to them for providing this continuity while we work on a plan to make this appointment sustainable and inclusive. The Library is funding the intuitive through the programming budget and staff can assist in securing grants for special projects. See the attached call for detailed description.
Timeline
• January 2024: Issue open call for poet laureate
• February 29th, 2024: deadline for applications
• Early March, 2024: Committee meets to make selection
• March: ACC/Library Board accept committee recommendation; Poet Laureate activities may begin
Items for discussion
• Attached call to poets
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
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Tentative Timelines:
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