3 Approve the process to select a Poet LaureateCOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JANUARY 4, 2010
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE PROCESS TO SELECT A LOS GATOS POET LAUREATE TO
SERVE A TWO-YEAR TERM
MEETING DATE: 1/11/10
ITEM NO: 3
RECOMMENDATION:
,Approve the guidelines (Attachment 1) to select a Los Gatos Poet Laureate to serve a two-year term.
BACKGROUND:
At the 2009 Council/Commission Retreat, the Library Board received a recommendation to establish a
process for appointment of a Poet Laureate for the Town of Los Gatos. The appointment of the Poet
Laureate is to be accomplished in time for the appointee to compose an original poem in celebration of
the groundbreaking for the new library building in June, 2010, and to write a separate original work for
the opening of the new facility in winter, 2011.
DISCUSSION:
Many towns and cities in the nation appoint a Poet Laureate to serve as a proponent of the written word,
to spread the art of poetry, and to celebrate our culture and inspire the life of the mind. California was
the first state to appoint a Poet Laureate when Ina Donna Coolbrith (1841-1928) was chosen by
Governor Hiram Warren Johnson in 1915.
As a librarian at the Oakland Public Library, Coolbrith early recognized the budding genius of writer
Jack London, who later spent time at Josephine McCrackin's literary salon in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
PREPARED BY: PEGGY CONAWAY
Library Director
N:\MGR\AdminWorkFiles\2010 Couuoi1 Reports\Town Council Report - Poet Laureate.doc
Reviewed by: , Assistant Town Manager F wn Attorney
Clerk Administrator Finance C6h nunity Development
Page 2
Mayor and Town Council
Subject: Los Gatos Poet Laureate
January 5, 2010
DISCUSSION: (continued)
Coolbrith was also closely associated with writers Ambrose Bierce, who sometimes lived at the El
Monte Hotel in Los Gatos in the 1890s, and with Joaquin Miller, the "Poet of the Sierras," who recited
his poetry at the dedication of Bunker Hill Park in Los Gatos in 1897.
Los Gatos has a close connection to the second California Poet Laureate, Dr. Henry Meade Bland, who
was appointed by the California State Legislature in 1929 and served until his death in 1931. Dr. Bland
was principal of the Los Gatos Central School from 1887 — 1889. He is considered an eminent poet and
educator in the state's history.
Los Gatos has been the home of a number of recognized authors. The appointment of an honorary Poet
Laureate for a term of two years will continue the Town's literary legacy. The new Poet Laureate may
be called upon to appear at selected community functions and to visit local classrooms to introduce
children to poetry. The person selected will represent the people of Los Gatos and demonstrate the
community's commitment to education and the arts. An appointment made in time to add to the
celebrations surrounding the new Los Gatos Public Library is especially appropriate.
A panel composed of the Mayor, two members of the Los Gatos Library Board, the Library Director, a
member of the Arts Commission, and a local published author will interview and evaluate the candidates
for Poet Laureate. The panel will make a recommendation to the Town Council for appointment.
The process will be scheduled as follows:
February 17, 2010 Application deadline
March 10, 2010 Interviews for honorary position
April 5, 2010 Appointment of Poet Laureate
April 5, 2010 — April 4, 2012 Term of office for Poet Laureate
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT: Is not expected to have a fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Guidelines for selection of Los Gatos Poet Laureate
2. Application form, Town of Los Gatos Poet Laureate, 2010 — 2012
Guidelines for Selection of Los Gatos Poet Laureate
Information regarding the selection of a Los Gatos Poet Laureate will be disseminated through the Town
Web site (losgatosca.gov), the library's Web site (library.losgatosca.gov) and through the Los Gatos
Weekly Times.
A panel composed of the Mayor of Los Gatos, two members of the Library Board, the Library Director,
a member of the Arts Commission, and a local published author will interview and evaluate the
candidates for Poet Laureate:
• Each candidate will submit a complete application, which will include copies of two original
poems.
• Each candidate will submit a current resume of professional activities and achievements,
highlighting projects and accomplishments in the arts.
• Each candidate will be a published poet or otherwise recognized for literary contributions.
• Each candidate must submit letters -of -recommendation from two other community members.
• Each candidate will be asked to read two short examples from their own original poetry during
the interview.
• Each candidate must have been a resident of Los Gatos for three years and must be 18 years of
age or older.
• Each candidate must agree to fulfill duties of the Poet Laureate for a period of two years.
• Each candidate must serve as a public advocate for the appreciation and advancement of the
literary arts in Los Gatos.
• The Poet Laureate of Los Gatos will be an honorary two-year position, appointed by the Town
Council.
ATTACHMENT 1
Town of Los Gatos Poet Laureate
Application
2010 — 2012
Deadline: February 17, 2010 (Please return application, copies of two original poems, a current resume,
and two letters of recommendation to Peggy Conaway, Library Director, 110 East Main Street, Los Gatos,
CA 95030 by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010.)
Last Name
Mailing Address
First Middle
City State, Zip
Street Address (if different) City State, Zip
Daytime Phone
Evening Phone E-mail
Please document your eligibility by checking Yes or No in response to the following questions:
Y ONDI am at least 18 years of age.
Y ❑ N ❑ I am actively working in the field of poetry and have been published or
recognized for my contributions to poetry or other literature.
Y ❑ N ❑ I am the single creator of the two attached poems.
Y ❑N ❑ I have been a resident of Los Gatos for three years.
Y ❑ N ❑ I am able to comfortably perform public speaking.
If you answered "no" to any of the above criteria, you are NOT eligible to serve as the Town of
Los Gatos Poet Laureate.
I certify that I meet all eligibility requirements listed in these guidelines and that all the
information in this application and its attachments is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge.
Applicant's Signature Date
ATTACHMENT 2