The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is now accepting online applications for the 2025-2027 Clallam County Poet Laureate position.

Poets age 18 and older who live in Clallam County and have a passion for bringing poetry to their community are invited to apply at NOLS.org/NextPoet. Submissions close on Monday, Dec. 9.

The Poet Laureate will be selected by a committee of community arts leaders, practitioners, and enthusiasts from across the county, library system officials said.

Notification of the appointment will be made by March 2025, and the Laureate will serve a two-year term from April 2025 through March 2027.

The position comes with an annual stipend of $5,000 ($10,000 in total), funded by the North Olympic Library Foundation and Clallam County, in recognition of the appointed poet’s time and energy in participating in or hosting events as well as to support the poet’s craft and practice.

The Poet Laureate will bring poetry to residents of the county by participating in events, leading workshops, and championing the community power of the written and spoken word. They will be expected to participate in or host approximately one event per month during their term at locations throughout Clallam County, library system representatives said.

A major goal of the Clallam County Poet Laureate program, they said, is to use poetry to bring a variety of voices and perspectives to culturally diverse audiences throughout the county, and to bring communities together through poetry.

The Clallam County Poet Laureate position was first offered in 2023. It is currently held by Sequim resident Jaiden Dokken, whose term ends in March 2025.

As the first in this role, Dokken explored unique ways to engage Clallam County with poetry. Hosting or participating in more than 40 events across the county and online thus far, Jaiden has also published local poetry in mini zines and developed poetry reading and writing challenges.

To celebrate the end of their term, NOLS will host an exhibition of Dokken’s creative works at the Port Angeles Library 2210 S. Peabody St., from Feb. 28-May 31.

To collaborate with Dokken on events like poetry readings, workshops and interactive experiences, email PoetLaureate@NOLS.org. (Events with the Poet Laureate should be free and open to the public, with the exception of school or corrections facility visits.)

For more information about this program, visit NOLS.org/NextPoet, email to Discover@NOLS.org or call 360-417-8500.