Establishment of the Watsonville Poet Laureate Position
The Board of Library Trustees of the Watsonville Public Library approved the establishment of the position of the Watsonville Poet Laureate, commencing in January 2022, to elevate the art of poetry in the City of Watsonville and to help celebrate the literary arts.
In 2021 the Library Board approved the creation of a Youth Poet Laureate position to recognize a youth under the age of twenty for their literary achievements with a commitment to and a passion for promoting awareness of poetry and whose work (literary or otherwise) demonstrates a commitment to social justice, equity, and diversity.
☙ Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications, & Duties are listed in the Poet Laureate Guidelines available in English or Spanish.
Watsonville Poet Laureates
☙ 2022 - 2024 Robert (Bob) Gómez
☙ 2025 - 2027 Dr. Victoria Bañales
Watsonville Youth Poet Laureates
☙ 2023 - 2025 Rachel Huerta & Eva Sophia Martinez Rodriguez