Olympia’s new Poet Laureate to focus message on climate change, resiliency

Kathleen Byrd has been chosen the city of Olympia’s Poet Laureate for 2023-2025, and her message will focus on climate change and resiliency.

Every two years, the city selects a new Poet Laureate to help engage the community in literary arts and encourage people to share their stories.

Byrd is an English professor at South Puget Sound Community College and a published author. She holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Western Washington University, as well as a master’s degree in education degree from the University of Washington-Tacoma. She published a full-length collection of poems titled “Hold the Babies,” which focuses on eldership, climate change, ancestors, reckoning with white-settler colonialism and more.

According to a news release from the city, Byrd’s poetry “is grounded in eco-poetics and her creative inspiration is fueled by collaboration.” She’s been outspoken about climate justice across the curriculum at SPSCC, and she leads workshops and community gatherings on poetry related to place and climate change.

Byrd has worked with the Thurston County Climate Action Group, as well as the Nisqually River Education Project.

Those interested can sign up to attend poetry readings and writing workshops on the city’s website.