CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: August 16, 2022
Subject
Consider the Library Commission’s Recommendation of Keiko O’Leary for appointment of the new 2023-2024 Cupertino Poet Laureate Recommended Action
Adopt resolution No. 22-____ approving the Library Commission’s recommendation and appoint Keiko O’Leary as the new 2023-2024 Cupertino Poet Laureate.
Discussion
Resolution No. 10-230 (Attachment B) designated a Cupertino Poet Laureate program. The Library Commission currently appoints a subcommittee to oversee and administer the program including recruitment.
The Cupertino Poet Laureate Program was established in 2010 by the City Council with the goal of providing residents programs, workshops, and events which introduce and reinforce poetry as an enriching cultural art form, open and accessible to all. The Cupertino Poet Laureate is an honorary, volunteer position sponsored by the City of Cupertino and seated in the Cupertino Library. The Poet Laureate is a practicing poet with professional recognition and a talent for performance. They are expected to host public events that promote the literary arts in our community and inspire creativity in all residents. Such events might include poetry contests, writing workshops, lectures, and public readings.
Position Requirements
The position has been historically filled by an individual 21 years old or over who has lived or worked in Cupertino for at least two years or has demonstrable ties to Cupertino, is an active poet, and has been published or publicly recognized for their contributions to poetry. The position is filled through an application, interview, and selection process facilitated by the Library Commission.
Selection Process
On April 6, the Library Commission reviewed the Poet Laureate Playbook (Attachment C) and unanimously approved the Poet Laureate Subcommittee comprised of Vice Chair Zhao, Commissioner Panda, and Jing Jing Yang to perform outreach and establish the Selection Committee. On May 1, the Poet Laureate recruitment opened and was advertised on the City’s website, along with the Cupertino Poet Laureate Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. City staff also reached out to Poetry Center San Jose, South Bay Writers, and local college English departments including De Anza, Foothill, and San Jose State. The application remained open for one month and recruitment closed on June 1. In total, there were three applications received and sent to the subcommittee for review.
The Selection Committee was then established comprised of Library Commission’s Vice Chair Zhao and Commissioner Panda, and Fine Arts Commissioner Chokshi to oversee the selection and administration of the program. The committee reviewed the applications and decided to interview all three candidates. On June 18, candidate interviews were conducted. Following deliberations, the committee unanimously selected to recommend Keiko O’Leary for the 2023-2024 Cupertino Poet Laureate position.
Keiko O’Leary is connected to the Cupertino community mainly through the Poet Laureate Program and has assisted in various projects with former Cupertino Poet Laureate’s Ann Muto and Kaecey McCormick. Ms. O’Leary’s completed application packet (Attachment D) includes poems, a current resume, and letters of recommendation.
At the July 6 Library Commission meeting, the Selection Committee presented their final recommendation of Keiko O’Leary as the 2023-2024 Cupertino Poet Laureate. The Commission unanimously voted to support this recommendation to City Council for approval.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact.
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Prepared by: Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant
Reviewed by: Kevin Khuu, Management Analyst
Approved for Submission by: Dianne Thompson, Acting City Manager Attachments:
A – Draft Resolution
B – City Council Resolution No. 10-230
C – Poet Laureate Playbook
D – Completed Application Packet – Keiko O’Leary