LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Applications are now being accepted for the 13th Poet Laureate of Lake County. 

The deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2026.

The role of a poet laureate is to represent and promote poetry and literacy in the community they represent. 

This is a volunteer position with a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.

Officiated by the Lake County Board of Supervisors, the Lake County Poet Laureate role was inducted in 1998 by inaugural Poet Laureate Jim Lyle.  

Between 1998 and 2024, a total of 12 poets laureate have been appointed in Lake County with diverse backgrounds and visions for this role. 

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and a Lake County resident for at least two consecutive years. 

Qualifications include having literary works published, including self-publishing, and a proven track record of literary-based community engagement and collaboration.

Applicants are asked to submit a mission statement, four original poems, two letters of recommendations, and a resume of literary involvement in the community, publications, and public readings. 

Application and full guidelines can be found online at https://forms.bettercollected.com/lakecountypoetlaureate/forms/26-28-application. 

If accommodations are needed for the application process, please reach out to current Lake County Poet Laureate 2024-2026 Brenda Marie Yeager, or Lake County Poet Laureate Emerita 2020-2024 Georgina Marie Guardado. 

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