Library of Congress Appoints Arthur Sze to Second Term as US Poet Laureate
The Library of Congress has appointed Arthur Sze to a second one-year term as the United States Poet Laureate. Sze, a highly regarded poet and translator, announced plans to expand his signature project, "Words Bridging Worlds," which involves traveling across the country to conduct readings, discussions, and workshops focused on poetry and translation. The appointment comes despite significant political upheaval at the institution over the past year, including the firing of former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden by President Donald Trump amid controversies regarding "woke" culture in government bodies. While Todd Blanche was named acting librarian by the White House, library announcements identify Robert Randolph Newlen as the acting official overseeing these appointments. Sze’s mission aligns with the laureate’s traditional role of raising national appreciation for poetry without engaging in political commentary. His recent publication, "Transient Worlds," highlights his focus on translated works. This reappointment signals a return to stability and traditional cultural programming at the Library of Congress, continuing events like the National Book Festival amidst broader administrative changes in federal cultural institutions.
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Library of Congress Appoints Arthur Sze to Second Term as US Poet Laureate
The Library of Congress has appointed Arthur Sze to a second one-year term as the United States Poet Laureate. Sze, a highly regarded poet and translator, announced plans to expand his signature project, "Words Bridging Worlds," which involves traveling across the country to conduct readings, discussions, and workshops focused on poetry and translation. The appointment comes despite significant political upheaval at the institution over the past year, including the firing of former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden by President Donald Trump amid controversies regarding "woke" culture in government bodies. While Todd Blanche was named acting librarian by the White House, library announcements identify Robert Randolph Newlen as the acting official overseeing these appointments. Sze’s mission aligns with the laureate’s traditional role of raising national appreciation for poetry without engaging in political commentary. His recent publication, "Transient Worlds," highlights his focus on translated works. This reappointment signals a return to stability and traditional cultural programming at the Library of Congress, continuing events like the National Book Festival amidst broader administrative changes in federal cultural institutions.
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