Somerville Poet Laureate Lloyd Schwartz, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and former State Representative Denise Provost are all smiles as they celebrate the creation of the state poet laureate position. — Photo courtesy of Office of Governor Maura Healey

By The Times Staff

On Monday, February 3, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order creating the position of Poet Laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Executive Order adopts much of the language of a bill filed years ago by former State Representative Denise Provost. Provost’s work was recognized by Governor Healey at Monday’s celebratory signing.

Lloyd Schwartz, Poet Laureate of Somerville, points out that “Massachusetts until now has been one of only four states that do not have a State Poet Laureate and the only state that has never had one. Soon we will!”

Publisher Gloria Mindock of Somerville’s Cervena Barva Press, says “It’s about time! I’m very excited for this. It will be good for the state of Massachusetts, and for our poets.”

Under Healey’s Executive Order, the Massachusetts Cultural Council will set up a statewide application process for this post. After review, the council will recommend two finalists. Governor Healey will then select the poet laurate.

Poet Laurate is an honorary title, which brings responsibilities with it. Laureates bring poetry to schools, libraries, civic events, and cultural institutions, and to readers and audiences generally.

The U.S. Poet Laureate is appointed by the Librarian of Congress and serves a one-year term as official poet of the United States.

All other US states except three, and many cities and towns, select their own Poets Laureate.