Arthur Sze has been appointed to a second term as U.S. poet laureate, the Library of Congress announced in a news release.
Sze is known for his poetry collections including Archipelago, Compass Rose, Sight Lines, and The Glass Constellation. His most recent book, Into the Hush, was longlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award and was a finalist for the PEN/Jean Stein Award; he has also won the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize and a National Book Award.
Sze served as the first poet laureate of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was named the U.S. poet laureate in 2025, succeeding Ada Limón. At the time, he said he planned to use his position to promote poetry in translation.
For his second term, the Library of Congress says, Sze will focus on “his signature project, ‘Words Bridging Worlds,’ and will embark on a U.S. tour to host public events, including readings, moderated discussions and workshops focused on poetry and translation.”
Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Randolph Newlen said in a statement, “Arthur Sze is opening the world of poetry by giving us a unique view of his process of writing and translating poetry—and challenging students and the public to try writing and translating poetry as well.”
The Library of Congress created the poet laureate position in 1937. Past poets to serve in the role include Elizabeth Bishop, Gwendolyn Brooks, Louise Glück, and Joy Harjo.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
