Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2026

JMRL is looking for a teen ambassador to serve in a one-year role to help celebrate and raise interest in poetry in the community. Earn acclaim AND a $50 gift card! 

• The student must be between the ages of 14 and 18.

• They must reside within the JMRL Service Area.

• The Teen Poet Laureate will have the opportunity to participate in public JMRL-related functions throughout the year May 2026 – April 2027. These functions may include but are not limited to: events at a JMRL branch, the Bookmobile, or out in the community; publishing original poems in the JMRL e-newsletter; appearing in content shared online or in print; working with other community organizations that partner with JMRL; and serving as a judge for the Teen Poet Laureate the following year. If travel is an issue, please work directly with the Young Adult Services Manager to make alternative plans. Time spent at these public events will count as community service hours through JMRL.

• Applications due by Wednesday, April 1st, 11:59pm. Students may submit online or in person at any JMRL branch. Note: only the Central Library is open Sundays from 1-5pm.

• Paper copies will be available at all JMRL branches. Please email teens@jmrl.org or call the Young Adult Services Manager at 434.979.7151 x 6630 with questions.

• Along with the application, three of the student’s poems must be submitted totaling no more than ten pages, which must be original works (no AI please). The student must also submit a letter of recommendation from an adult sponsor. This person cannot be on the selection committee. The letter of recommendation is due by Wednesday, April 1st, 11:59 p.m.

• A committee of local authors and poets, teachers, and librarians will review applications and select the winner.

• The winner will be announced at an Awards Ceremony at the Central Library on Wednesday, April 15th at 6:30pm where the winner will receive a prize and read aloud one of their poems. Attendance at the ceremony is not mandatory.

• Poems will be judged on content, craft, and voice. An applicant’s maturity and leadership will also be considered.

For further information, contact JMRL’s Young Adult Services Manager, Heather Pehnec, 201 E. Market St. Charlottesville, VA 22902, teens@jmrl.org, Charlottesville, VA 22903.