East Riding Libraries are delighted to announce that Charlotte Oliver has been appointed as the next East Riding Poet Laureate.
Following a competitive selection process, Charlotte was chosen by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s library team for her wealth of experience, strong community engagement skills and clear commitment to making poetry welcoming, relevant and accessible for everyone.
In the role, Charlotte will act as an ambassador for poetry across the East Riding, bringing creative writing directly into libraries, communities and public events. Through workshops, performances and bespoke commissions marking key moments in the county’s calendar, she will support people of all ages and backgrounds to see poetry as something they can enjoy, create and share.
Charlotte’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for East Riding Libraries’ poetry programme, which has already seen strong public engagement through initiatives including the annual poetry competition, Poetry Palooza and the launch of the county’s first Young Poet Laureate.
Alongside her public-facing work, Charlotte will provide mentorship and artistic development support to East Riding’s Young Poet Laureate, Elspeth Snelling, helping to nurture the next generation of poetic voices in the county.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: ‘’We are delighted to welcome Charlotte as the new East Riding Poet Laureate. Her work will help to remove barriers around poetry by creating friendly, hands-on opportunities for residents to experiment with language, tell their own stories and connect with others through creative expression.’’
On her appointment, Charlotte said: ‘’I am overjoyed to be chosen as the new Poet Laureate for the East Riding! This is a magical, unique place and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate it in this way.
‘’I love working within the community to show how poetry has something to offer everybody and look forward to building on the excellent work that Cassandra has done in the role, as well as sharing ideas with Elspeth, our brilliant Young Poet Laureate. Massive thanks to all at the East Riding Libraries team for giving me the chance to lead this poetic celebration of our beautiful region.’’
Charlotte takes over from Cassandra Parkin, who has played an important role in championing poetry across East Riding Libraries and encouraging residents to take part in creative writing activity. The new appointment will continue that momentum, ensuring poetry remains visible, inclusive and rooted in local communities.
To find out more about East Riding Libraries’ Poetry Programme, visit: Arts In Libraries
Picture : Charlotte Oliver, credit to Matthew Storm photography.
