Norwich – Applications for the city’s new poet laureate position will be accepted through March 16, and the organization overseeing the process hopes to announce the city’s first poet laureate in April, which is National Poetry Month.

The city, through a partnership with Norwich Creates, is seeking to appoint the city’s first poet laureate, an honorary position established in 2017 by the City Council. As the city’s representative poet, the poet laureate will serve as an ambassador for poetry by promoting and encouraging the appreciation of creative expression through poetry and literary arts activities.

The poet laureate will write and share his or her poetry in public appearances, digital media, workshops, and inspire others to share their creative voices.

A Poet Laureate Selection Committee, consisting of five representatives of local middle school, high school and college English departments, Otis Library, and Norwich Creates, has been formed to assist in the selection. Applicants can view the guidelines and submit an application by going online to www.norwichctevents.com or by visiting Otis Library, 261 Main St.

Funding for the $300 poet laureate stipend is provided in memory of Cynthia A. Carano.

For more information, call Julie Menders at Otis Library at (860) 889-2365, ext. 128.