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Page 1 of 4 <br />Item #4 <br /> <br />LIBRARY COMMISSION AGENDA <br />REPORT <br /> <br /> <br />April 3, 2025 <br />Library and Recreation <br /> <br />TITLE: REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE PLEASANTON TEEN POET LAUREATE <br />PROGRAM <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br />In prior years, a joint Library and Civic Arts Subcommittee convened annually to recruit and <br />interview candidates for the Pleasanton Teen Poet Laureate position. In November 2023,each <br />commission approved a one-year pause of the subcommittee to explore best practices and <br />new program concepts. During this time, the Teen Poet Laureate Ad Hoc Committee convened <br />to research local, regional and national programs and provide input on programming. <br /> <br />Library and Civic Arts Commissioners are asked to discuss the committee’s input and staff <br />recommendations for the Teen Poet Laureate program. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Review and discuss the Pleasanton Teen Poet Laureate Program. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br />In 2012, the Pleasanton Teen Poet Laureate (TPL) program was established to raise <br />awareness of the importance of poetry in enhancing the lives of Pleasanton youth through <br />poetry readings at civic events and dedications, community writing workshops, and youth <br />events. The joint Library and Civic Arts Teen Poet Laureate Selection Subcommittee was <br />responsible for interviewing the poet laureate candidates for the City and meeting during the <br />initial stages of the selection process before their poet laureate selection was reviewed by the <br />commissions and recommended to the City Council. Members of the subcommittee included <br />Library and Civic Arts commissioners and City staff. <br /> <br />At their respective Library and Civic Arts meetings in November 2023, commissioners <br />approved a one-year pause of the Teen Poet Laureate Selection Subcommittee to research <br />best practices from neighboring agencies, identify emerging teen interests, and refine program <br />goals. The Ad Hoc Committee comprised the following members: Civic Arts Commissioner <br />Yee, Library Commissioner Dhillon, and City staff. The committee met monthly and conducted <br />program research from November 2024 through February 2025. <br /> <br />The Teen Poet Laureate Ad Hoc Committee reviewed the Pleasanton program, focusing on its <br />format and goals. Their research also explored best practices in other agencies and examined <br />strategies to create a more sustainable and impactful program. <br /> <br />Committee Research Findings: City, County, and National Programs <br />The committee researched local, county, and national poet laureate programs. This research <br />provided insights into program structures, practices and affiliations. <br /> <br />Page 6 of 34