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• Charlene Villella (1999 — 2001) • Jim Ott (2001 — 2003) • Kirk Ridgeway (2003 — 2005) • Cynthia Bryant (2005 — 2007) • Martha Meltzer (2007 — 2009) • Deborah Grossman (2009 — 2011) • Cynthia Bryant (2011-2012) • Sandra Harrison Kay (2013 - 2015) After 2015, it became increasingly difficult to recruit an Adult Poet Laureate despite several thorough attempts. In discussions with vested community members and past Poet Laureates, the idea of broadening the program was discussed and the Literary Arts Ambassador position was proposed. The Literary Arts Ambassador position and qualifications were fashioned similarly to the Adult Poet Laureate, but the literary component was broadened to include all literature and not just poetry. The Literary Arts Ambassador would share appropriate poetry and/or literary pieces at public events and dedications, as well as conducts literary workshops, readings and events. On July 18, 2017, following the recommendation of the Civic Arts Commission, the City Council approved the creation of the Literary Arts Ambassador position. Immediately following that approval staff set out to recruit for the position. After a highly competitive process the selection committee of staff, commissioners and community members recommended that author Meg Fleming be appointed to serve as the first Literature Ambassador from 2017-2019. The selection committee felt that Meg's knowledge, accomplishments, and experience coupled with her enthusiasm and love of the written word would be an excellent match for the Literature Ambassador program. In her successful term as Literary Arts Ambassador, Meg Fleming worked to raise awareness of the importance of literature as it relates to lifelong literacy and education. She hosted literary workshops for writers at the Firehouse Arts Center, presented engaging demonstrations on picture book art, collaborated with Teen Poet Laureates, participated in the Library Commission's Little Free Library committee and launched a StoryWalk© interactive picture book event in downtown Pleasanton this past summer featuring her children's book "Ready, Set, Sail". Meg's term closed in June of 2019. DISCUSSION The mission of the Literary Arts Ambassador program is to raise awareness of the importance of literature as it relates to lifelong literacy and education toward the development and enhancement of the lives of Pleasanton residents. The Literary Arts Page 2 of 3