2026 Teen Poet Laureate Contest
Are you a local student poet between ages of 14-18? JMRL is looking for a teen ambassador to serve in a one year role to help celebrate and raise interest in poetry in our community. Poetry submissions will be printed in a bound chapbook for the JMRL collection and for poets to keep. 
Earn acclaim and a $50 gift card!
Accepting applications 2/18/2026 - 4/1/2026
For more information, eligibility, and other Frequently Asked Questions, check out the Teen Poet Laureate Rules.
JMRL Teen Poet Laureates
2025 Mazie Wiseman
2024 Rose Brennan-Wilkinson
2023 Sadie Adams
What does a poet ambassador do exactly?
Actions vary from year to year! The winner will work with the young adult services manager and YA staff at their home branch to tailor a plan best suited for the individual.
Here are examples from past years:
- Participate in JMRL Poem in Your Pocket Day
- Create Poetry Corners with magnetic poetry boards in branch libraries
- Publish poems in JMRL e-newsletter
- Plan and host an open mic poetry reading
- Participate on a JMRL team for WordPlay fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers
- Create content for JMRL social media
- Co-host a poetry writing workshop
- Judge JMRL Teen Poet Laureate contest for the following year