Search for Warwickshire's Young Poet Laureate begins

Warwickshire Libraries have launched the search for the next Warwickshire Young Poet Laureate who will take over the role from current Young Poet Laureate, Ruby Murphy later in the year. The successful young poet will have the chance to write and perform their work throughout Warwickshire, work with library staff and users to champion poetry and will receive mentoring from a professional poet. 

Between now and Wednesday 8 September, young poets aged between 13 and 17 who live and are educated in Warwickshire can apply for the position. With their application, candidates are asked to submit three of their poems (one on the theme of ‘Choice’, one inspired by Warwickshire and one of their own choosing) and a short personal statement outlining why they would like to be the Young Poet Laureate and how they would help promote poetry to a wide range of people throughout Warwickshire. 

Applications can be submitted online, by email and by post. Full details can be found at warwickshire.gov.uk/youngpoetlaureate. Any queries can be sent to libraryevents@warwickshire.gov.uk.    

Warwickshire Libraries will also be hosting three free virtual workshops for 13 to 17 year olds during the Summer Holidays. Each will be led by a professional poet and hosted via Microsoft Teams from 10am until 11.30am. On Saturday 7 August, Matt Black will lead a workshop on writing different types of poetry. On Saturday 14 August, Steve Pottinger will focus on writing poetry on a theme and on Saturday 21 August, Emma Purshouse will look at performing poetry.  

Places are limited and to book, please email libraryevents@warwickshire.gov.uk. (Note: Attendance at these sessions is not compulsory for anyone who wishes to apply for the YPL post. Likewise, you don’t have to apply for the YPL in order to attend the sessions). 

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