Each year, when National Poetry Month arrives, we see news about the Poets Laureate of California and San Francisco. The appointing of a laureate is a tradition that many people have heard of, but perhaps you're interested in how it all started?
The concept of a Poet Laureate originated in England in the 1600s. The laureate description refers to the ancient Greek tradition of placing a laurel wreath or crown as recognition for significant achievements, from military accomplishments to literary triumphs.
Early lawmakers in California recognized the importance of a statewide Poet Laureate at the beginning of the twentieth century. Ina Donna Coolbrith was appointed the first honorary California Poet Laureate by Governor Hiram Johnson in 1915 and served until her death in 1928.
The position was an honorary lifetime appointment until 2001, when it was made into an official government appointment. The California Arts Council is designated to recommend individuals to the Governor for the position, the governor chooses the Poet Laureate, and Senate approves the appointment. The state Poet Laureate serves a two-year term and is limited to two terms. Quincy T. Troupe was appointed California's first official Poet Laureate in 2002. The current appointee is
Carol Muskie Dukes who will serve until 2012. Many California poets have received notable honors including such awards as the Nobel Prize, the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. A few have served as United States' Poet Laureate, like Robert Haas, a San Francisco native. Which leads us now, of course, to the Poet Laureate of San Francisco...
The San Francisco program was initiated by former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown. He was on a visit to Seoul, Korea, when he gave the surprise announcement that he would like San Francisco to have a poet laureate. He stated: "More than any historical facts or empirical data, literature is where we truly gain an understanding of other human beings."
Lawrence Ferlinghetti was San Francisco’s first Poet Laureate (1998-2000). He was chosen by a committee including notable authors, teachers, a representive from the Mayor's office and the City Librarian. Many think of Ferlinghetti as one of the fathers of modern poetry in the city. During his tenure he wrote a newspaper column,
Poetry as News, in the
San Francisco Chronicle. As publisher of City Lights Books he initiated a series of commemorative books of poems by successive SF Poets Laureate including Janice Mirikitani, devorah major, and Jack Hirschman.
The current Poet Laureate of San Francisco,
Diane di Prima, was appointed in 2009, by
former Mayor Gavin Newsom and City Librarian Luis Herrera. Ms. Di Prima has done a variety of programs with city youth and the public library. Her book,
Recollections of My Life as a Woman: the New York Years: a Memoir, was the Jan. 2010 selection of San Francisco's Bi-monthly Book Club
On the Same Page. Her works (and the efforts of all the city's laureates) embody the spirit that Mayor Brown was envisioning -- they aim to "broaden the world's appreciation of literature and its crucial function in society."
Notes:
Historical information located at the California Arts Council website: California Poet Laureate
http://www.cac.ca.gov/poetlaureate/main.php"Brown Wants Poet Laureate For S.F.'s Soul / Surprise announcement at University of Seoul," October 25, 1997By Edward Epstein, Chronicle Staff Writer
http://articles.sfgate.com/1997-10-25/news/17759561_1_poet-laureate-lawrence-ferlinghetti-unofficial-poetPress release: "Mayor Newsom Names Diane Di Prima as 5th Poet Laureate."
http://sfmayor.org/ftp/archive/209.126.225.7/archives/PressRoom_NewsReleases_2009_104403/index.htmlCheck the SFPL calendar for poetry events year 'round:
http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1006262301The Friends of the San Franciso Public Library hosts a weekly series at the Readers Cafe:
http://www.readerscafe.org/thursdays-at-readers
Did you get a Kindle, Nook or other eReader this holiday season? Want to learn how to use it and download library ebooks?
If you are having problems with a federal agency or obtaining your Social Security, Medicare, veterans or other federal benefits, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi’s office may be able to help. Staff from her office will visit the Mission Branch to answer questions about federal agencies, programs and benefits, and to offer any possible assistance.
From the first note, you'll want to jump out of your seat! Since 1996, the San Francisco-based Orquesta La Moderna Tradición has thrilled audiences across the country with a mix of contemporary timba-infused arrangements of Danzón music. Originating in the late 1800s, Danzón still remains one of the most important musical styles in Cuba, and it was the music of choice at the Havana social clubs of the 1950s.
Do you have any idea how fun it is to make your own buttons?
Over 60 patrons attended yet another "happening" event at the Mission Branch!
In this fun, hands - on workshop, local designer Chelsee Robinson will guide you in creating your own beautiful bracelet, necklace, or earrings. Come for the fun, leave with a skill! Materials will be provided. 
Join us right here at the Mission Branch Library when Lauren Davis, Collector & Editor of The Comic Book Guide to the Mission, discusses this funny, raw, and vivid anthology of comics based on San Francisco's Mission District.
Join the Mission Branch Book Club!
Do you have any idea how much fun it is to make a button? Join us and find out! It's magical! Draw a picture, cut one out, or bring one in. Think small because the buttons are less than 2 inches around...
Each year, when National Poetry Month arrives, we see news about the Poets Laureate of California and San Francisco. The appointing of a laureate is a tradition that many people have heard of, but perhaps you're interested in how it all started?
Wanna pick up a new skill and have tons of fun in the process? Join us in this hands-on workshop and learn how to fold paper into just about anything, including boxes, decorations, you name it! Celebrate spring with Origami! Ages 12-18 Monday, April 11 from 4-6pm For more information contact Nicole at (415) 355-5738 or ntermini@sfpl.org
Here the Western Hemisphere natives, usually treated as a footnote to world history, take center stage as anthropologist Jack Weatherford draws connections showing how nation-making and -breaking shifts in worldwide patterns of wealth, power, trade, population, health, and thought resulted from the gifts or theft of American indigenous knowledge, resources, and labor. Minerals; foods; medicines; technologies of agriculture, architecture, and transportation; templates of democracy and revolution – the fruits of contact, to non-Indians, were further-reaching than most people imagine, making the injustices of cultural and physical genocide perpetrated on the givers that much more heinous. Having done his spadework in the myriad relevant geographic and academic areas, Weatherford lays these effects out, from the obvious to the highly extrapolative, engaging our sympathy, gratitude, indignation, and awe with a network of revelatory anecdotes, facts, and causalities.
Every year around tax time, we get lots of questions about filing income taxes, most of which are in regards to whether we have the forms and instruction booklets for people to take home with them. The quick answer to this is, yes, here at the Mission Branch we do have some of the forms. However, our stockpile is dwindling.
Thinking 'bout getting inked? Come join us at the Mission Branch Library for a free organic temporary tattoo! Unravel the mystery of henna and its ancient/traditional uses, learn how to apply it, and have all your questions answered by SF's natural henna artist, Charitie Bolling. All participants will receive a free design for participating. Refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend and get entered into a raffle for a chance to win a gift after the workshop! Space is limited! Don't miss out!!
February 14th, 2011 @ 4:00
Participants will write their own wills under supervision of a California estate lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. You will have it completed at the end of the session. Bring non-erasable pen, preferably blue-colored.
Fashion a felt pin for yourself or a friend!!
