By Lookout Staff

October 16, 2025 -- The Santa Monica Public Library is searching for its second poet laureate to serve a two-year term beginning next March that comes with an annual stipend of $5,000 a year.

The poet filling the honorary post must create an annual original poem celebrating the city of Santa Monica and present two annual writing workshops or poetry readings.

The chosen poet must also organize at least one poetry-related event each year as part of the Library’s National Poetry Month programming in April and present or participate in local events.

The Poet Laureate Review Panel, made up of community members and City of Santa Monica staff, will review and make the final selection, Library officials said.

“We’re excited to continue Santa Monica’s Poet Laureate program and look forward to working with our next ambassador of verse,” Library Director Erica Cuyugan said in a statement.

“This program continues to highlight the importance of poetry and creative expression while offering meaningful ways to engage with our community. Through this partnership, our future poet will help showcase the rich diversity and shared stories of Santa Monica.”

The chosen poet will take over the post from Santa Monica's first poet laureate, Anne Carmack, a "self-taught writer and multidisciplinary artist" who published an Amazon best-selling book of poems, City officials said

“As Santa Monica’s inaugural Poet Laureate, I have had the distinct honor of engaging with the community through poetry and in sincere celebration of the literary arts at a local level,” Carmack said.

“As my term comes to an end in 2026, I look forward to working with the next selected poet to continue building this inspiring program. I can’t wait to watch them bring their creative ideas for outreach, programming, education and entertainment to our beloved Santa Monica community.”

The Poet Laureate program is open to Santa Monica residents 18 and older. Applications are due by November 30.

For more information and to apply, click here