The city of Aurora is searching for its next Honorary Poet Laureate, a four-year term beginning in August 2026 and continuing through August 2030.

The city's Honorary Poet Laureate program, managed by Aurora Public Library, recognizes the importance of literature as a vital part of our shared and diverse culture. Poetry itself expresses personal and public stories in an art form accessible to all and provides an outlet for feelings, experiences and questions about the world. The Poet Laureate program provides a local recognized poet an opportunity to advance their art, advocate and promote their literature within the city.

All interested candidates must be:

• A resident of Aurora
• At least 18 years old
• A published poet
• Interviewed by the committee
• Willing to create and read poems for a variety of city events
• Available to attend various city events as designated

Prospective candidates interested in applying for the role must submit:

• A letter of interest that includes professional accomplishments and community outreach activities about sharing their love of poetry and professional resources
• A maximum of 10 samples of their work/professional portfolio, including a sample “event” poem

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 12. A selection committee, led by the Aurora Public Library Board of Trustees, will conduct interviews in July and select the next poet, who then is presented before City Council for final confirmation and swearing in.

The city's Honorary Poet Laureate program was created in 2013 to promote Aurora’s talented artists and offer a space to connect and empower a community through words. Since its inception, the program has appointed three local artists: Jovan Mays (2014 to 2017), Assetou Xango (2017 to 2020) and Ahja Fox (2022 to 2026). Since being named as Aurora’s Honorary Poet Laureates, all have gone on to publish their work and perform at various events.

More information, as well as the application, can be found at AuroraGov.org/Poet.