Our Mission
The mission of MCPL is to bring poets together to share their thoughts and ideas about poetry and expose the community to rich poetic traditions. We invite the community to partake in the myriad of free programs and projects lead by our very own Poets Laureate. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the MCPL program regards poetry as a local public art form and offers both awareness of and involvement in an artistic and cultural outlet.
About Us
The Montgomery County Poet Laureate Program was started in 1998 by Joanne Leva. As a member of the Indian Valley Arts Foundation, Joanne recognized the value of personal expression through the literary arts and poetry and saw an opportunity to benefit the community, offer broad-based education for people of all ages and improve the access to cultural outlets leading her to form the MCPL.
The Poet Laureate competition includes a community service directive with a program developed by each Poet Laureate to elevate the literary arts in the community, expand their own personal experience and increase overall awareness of the program. As a result of this initiative, MCPL has expanded the many programs available to experience and learn about poetry.
Jenny Burkholder, 2023 Montgomery County Poet Laureate
Poet Laureate 2023 Jenny Burkholder is a writer and teacher who lives and works in Elkins Park. Her poetry chapbook, Repaired, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2016. Her poems have been published in Snapdragon: A Journal of Art & Healing, North American...
Montgomery County Poet Laureate Competition
Poet Laureate Adjudication
A “celebrity judge” is called upon to adjudicate manuscripts that are assigned numeric values to maintain anonymity to determine the winner in a fair and objective way. The winning poet receives a $500 cash award and a year of opportunities to enhance their public profile as featured poets in local events throughout the area in addition to their community outreach project.
What is a Poet Laureate?
A Poet Laureate is an individual who composes poems, who has the ability to express poetic ideas in beautiful language, and has been identified as having the highest degree of excellence in poetry. Submissions open in the Fall through March. Winners are announced in April.
The timing and price were perfect. What a wonderful series of instructors and events during that week. I attended every workshop and event and learned SO much…I made many new friends and look forward to meeting them in person one day…CAESURA provides an excellent example of just how an online conference with numerous workshops can succeed.
Caesura Poetry Festival
Friday, October 14 through Sunday, October 16, 2022
Onsite $175 (all 3 days) or $99 a day
Online $129
Tickets are non-refundable.
The Annual Caesura Poetry Festival & Retreat is a weekend of inspiration and relaxation for the poetry community. This year we are planning an in-person event in our new home base Eclipse Center for Creative Community in Lansdale PA with a virtual option. The event will feature workshops, poetry readings and an opportunity to enjoy time with other members of the poetry community.
MCPL are welcoming warm professionals who create an easy environment in a beautiful setting!
The workshops were stimulating and safe…How can I say it? Cozy and challenging at the same time! Caesura is a pause I didn’t want to end.
