“Poetry is not a mystery, nor should it be restricted to the halls of academia. It is open to all of us in our everyday lives to read, write, and to be inspired.” – Jean P. Flanagan
The Poet Laureate Committee selected Jean P. Flanagan as the fourth Poet Laureate of Arlington. She was appointed by the Select Board on January 23, 2023. Flanagan is one of the founders of the Arlington Center for the Arts – a linchpin of our cultural community and a physical manifestation of the ways our lives are inextricably bound.
The Poet Laureate is a 3-year town appointed position funded by the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC).
Visit Jean Flanagan’s first poetry project as Poet Laureate, “Small Acts of Kindness” here!
Upcoming Events
At Robbins Library
Tuesday, December 8, 2025, 7 pm Share a poem at the Evening Beehive Poetry Workshop. Arlington Poet Laureate Jean Flanagan will facilitate.
Tuesday, December 11, 2025, 3 pm Jean Flanagan will lead the Verses Book Group, which will discuss Song of Myself by Walt Whitman.
Tuesday, December 16, 7 pm Join the Beehive Poetry Group’s New Book and Poetry Open Mic. Readings will feature works by poets Sara Letourneau and Owen Lewis, followed by an open mic for poets to share their work. Poet Laureate Emeritus Steve Rapp will provide introductions.
Thursday, December 18, 1:30 pm Jean Flanagan will be Poet Laureate on Duty at the Robbins Beehive Tables. Share a pome or work on a piece.