Dublin Poet Laureate

City of Dublin Poet Laureate

The City of Dublin serves as a public advocate for the appreciation and advancement of literary arts in the City Dublin.  

Responsibilities include:

  • Create and read poetry for civic events, public ceremonies, and dedications, as coordinated through City Staff.
  • Serve as a resource to Staff, the City Council, and the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission; may act as a liaison between the City and local schools, literary organizations, and bookstores.  
  • Assist with the development of classes and workshops devoted to poetry; potentially coordinate and participate in staged poetry readings. 
  • On an annual basis, have at least one original poem displayed in a City facility.
  • Additional information can be found in the Program Guidelines.







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                                                                                                                                           Poet Laureate Richard Deets

Dublin Poetry Walk - April 2026 

In recognition of National Poetry Month, the 2026 Dublin Poetry Walk celebrates all things poetry.  During National Poetry Month, poetry will come alive throughout Dublin's streets! Dublin Poet Laureate Richard Deets and the City of Dublin are hosting the fifth season of our popular Poetry Walk

Poet Laureate Richard Deets will selected up to 25 works of poetry from poets in Dublin, the Tri-Valley, and beyond.  Poets come from all walks of life, both young and aging, but all share a common passion for poetry.  Selected Poets and their poetry will be on display at local businesses for the month of April, 2026.  

Use the link below to get invovled!

DublinPoetry.Com

About the Position

The Poet Laureate is a volunteer position appointed by the City Council to be a resource to City staff, Commissions, the City Council, and the community. Following the creation of the position in 2008, Ronnie Holland was selected as the City’s first Poet Laureate.

The Poet Laureate is an advocate for the appreciation and advancement of poetry in classrooms and public spaces; builds a community of local poets; and brings the City of Dublin’s unique culture to life through the power of the spoken word.

The Poet Laureate serves a term of two years following the Mayor’s recommendation and City Council confirmation. The Poet Laureate is limited to four consecutive two-year terms. Formal appointment is required to renew a term of the current Poet Laureate following term expiration.

Current Poet Laureate

Richard Deets was appointed in December 2024 to serve as the City of Dublin Poet Laureate from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. Richard Deets is a retired educator who holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with honors. He served the City of Dublin on the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission and is currently vice-president of the California State Poetry Society. His poems have been published nationally and internationally, most recently in the California Quarterly.

Poetry

Seasonally, original poems by Dublin poets will be featured, including the Poet Laureate, and are made available for the community's enjoyment.  Click the links below to read the current poems.  

"The Emerald City Awakens" - Poem by Richard Deets

"Blue Violets" - Poem by Richard Deets

Past Poetry

Poetry that was created by past Poet Laureates, or highlighted works by local Dublin poets, can be read using the links below.

"At the Crossroads" - by James Morehead (Past Poet Laureate).  Dublin's 40th Anniversary Poem. 

"Dublin is a City of Pride" - by Sanvi Pasala


Contact Us

Contact City of Dublin Poet Laureate, Richard Deets, at dublinpoetlaureate2526@gmail.com