Nellie Bridge
Clallam County Poet Laureate, 2025-27
Will you be the next Clallam County Poet Laureate?
The North Olympic Library System is excited to announce the call for the next Poet Laureate. Poets ages 18 and over who reside in Clallam County and have a passion for bringing poetry to their community are invited to apply for the position.
This position is generously supported by the North Olympic Library Foundation.
Submissions are accepted October 14 – December 9.
The online application form will be available beginning Wednesday, October 14, and will close at 4pm on Wednesday, December 9. A reference PDF to preview application questions is provided for informational purposes only so that applicants can prepare answers in advance.
The Poet Laureate will be selected by a committee of community arts leaders, practitioners, and enthusiasts from across Clallam County. Notification of the appointment will be made by March 2027.
A major goal of the Clallam County Poet Laureate program 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. Poetry helps us to see, understand and think about our community and our world through a different lens and challenges us to reconsider the common ties that bind us together.
If you have any questions about the program, please email discover@nols.org.
The selected Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term, bringing poetry to residents of the county by participating in events, leading workshops, and championing the community power of the written and spoken word. The term will begin in April 2027 and run through March 2029.
The position comes with an annual stipend of $5,000 ($10,000 total) funded by the North Olympic Library Foundation, the Friends of Sequim Library, and the Port Angeles Friends of the Library 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 be expected to participate in or host approximately one event per month during their term at locations throughout Clallam County.
- Resident of Clallam County
- Previous experience organizing and presenting programs or performances in the literary arts or other creative fields
- Committed to making poetry accessible to people of all abilities and all ages throughout Clallam County
- Excellent communication skills, including via email
- Agrees to participate in promotional and marketing activities, which may include video, photography, and documentation of programs and other appearances
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with mentorship and giving encouraging and thoughtful feedback
Current Poet Laureate
Nellie Bridge is serving as Clallam County Poet Laureate through March 2027. Learn more and view upcoming events at NOLS.org/Poet.
Program Partners
The 2027-29 Clallam County Poet Laureate position is funded by the North Olympic Library Foundation, the Friends of Sequim Library, and the Port Angeles Friends of the Library. The program began in 2023 through a partnership with Clallam County.
