101-Staff Report.pdf
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICESDEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
1010300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3220www.cupertino.org
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting:December 21, 2010
Subject
Consider a Library Commission proposal to establish a Poet Laureatefor Cupertino to stimulate
cultural and literacy awareness and reinforcethe benefits of poetry to thecommunity.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution designating aCupertino Poet Laureate,andrequestthat the Library
Commissionappoint a selection committee to oversee and administer the program.
Description
Poets Laureate existat the Federal, State, County and Municipal levels,but Cupertino has never
established an official position. The Library Commission is proposing establishing a Poet
Laureateposition,and appointingan administrative committee (Attachment A) to select a
nominee for the position of Poet Laureate for the Cupertino.
The committee would be composed of the following members:
Two –Library Commissioners (Chair)
Two –Fine Arts Commissioners
One –Friends of the Library representative
Two –Library Foundation members
One –DeAnza College English Department representative
The Committee’s chargewould beto sponsor and develop the program, set forth its purpose,
form the committee, identify applicant qualifications, solicit applications, and nominate a citizen
no later than April 2011 (National Poetry Month).
The goal of such a program is to:
Stimulate cultural and literacy awareness in Cupertino;
Introduce youth and adults to the personal and community benefits of poetry both as
personal expression and as reflective of our history and culture;
Reveal, recognize and engage literary talent residing in the community; and
Promote our Library as THE cultural center of Cupertino.
The Library Commission has approached this concept with the goal of working with the Fine
Arts Commission and other community groups interested in pursuing this proposal. They seek
direction and approval from Council at this time.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Carol Atwood
Reviewed by:
Approved for Submission by:David W. Knapp, City Manager
Attachments: List of Committee members