Rockford opens poet laureate nominations for 2026

The city is accepting nominations for its next poet laureate and youth poet.

The poet laureate position, which is honorary, aims to promote literacy, literature and creativity among residents, according to a community announcement.

The poet laureate serves a two-year term, while the youth poet serves for one year. The current poet laureate is Lydia Kozlowski, and the current youth poet is Autumn Smith.

The program is a collaboration between the city, the Rockford Public Library and the Rockford Area Arts Council. The poet laureate position is partially funded by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

Poets play a vital role in the community

Mary McNamara Bernsten, executive director of the Rockford Area Arts Council, said poets play a vital role in the community.

"Poets obser