📚 Poet Laureate in house at the Collingwood Library

Collingwood, ON [14 July 2026] Poets and the poetry curious are invited to visit with the Town of Collingwood’s own Poet Laureate, Kate Russell, this summer at the Collingwood Library on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“Poets need poets,” said Russell of her self-installed weekly residency in the library’s genealogical archive area for July and August. “Whether you have an idea, a work in progress, or just want to talk poetry in general, I’m here to listen and share insights and perspective.”

Russell, who was named the town’s fourth laureate in June 2025, has been attending official functions and special events by invitation.

She is writing her own reflections on Collingwood’s active cultural scene.

Now she wanted to learn what local residents have to say about poetry.

“What do people want from their poet laureate?” she ponders as she enters her second summer in the position. “There is so much inspiration here. How are Collingwood’s writers capturing their own imagination about their home?”

With local writers’ groups taking a summer hiatus, Russell’s library hours offer local poets a place to talk writing in a casual setting. Whether new or experienced in poetry, she’s open to hearing everyone’s words. If there is enough interest, she could also offer workshops, where groups offer poetic critique and practice presentation techniques.

“Mostly this is about getting to know local people. I’d really like to hear from long-time residents and compose some biographical pieces,” she offered, suggesting she’s working up a compilation similar to an old town business directory done in verse dug out of the archives at the Collingwood museum. “I suspect there are also a lot of very interesting newcomers with their own stories to share.”

This opportunity, supported by the library staff and endorsed by the town, is a great chance to connect with poetry, offer your own vision of the benefits of poetry, and have a seasoned poet review and comment from an experienced perspective.

We have been delighted to offer the Poet Laureate in residence at the library, providing patrons with a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and engage with a local literary artist. Kate has been a wonderful ambassador for the literary arts, and our Open Mic Poetry evening, where she has encouraged both emerging and experienced writers to share their work in a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. Lori Crossan, Coordinator, Adult Programs, Collingwood Public Library.

To connect with the poet laureate and for those interested in bringing poetry to local events or community groups, Russell may be contacted by email at poetlaureate@collingwood.ca