The Library of Congress has appointed Arthur Sze as the nation’s 25th U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2025–2026. An acclaimed voice of American letters, Sze brings both literary excellence and cultural depth to one of the country’s most significant literary positions.
Introduction
Arthur Sze, award-winning poet and translator, has been named the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate for 2025–2026. The Library of Congress announced the appointment in Washington, D.C., confirming Sze’s historic role as the first Asian American laureate. His focus will highlight poetry in translation and expand its influence nationwide.
Background on Arthur Sze
Arthur Sze was born in New York City in 1950 to Chinese immigrant parents. He began studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before leaving to pursue poetry, a decision that shaped his lifelong career. Over decades, he has become known for his innovative voice, philosophical imagery, and reflections on the landscapes of the American Southwest.
Sze is the author of twelve poetry collections, including Sight Lines (National Book Award winner, 2019), Compass Rose (Pulitzer Prize finalist, 2014), and Into the Hush (2025). His translation work has also garnered recognition, particularly with The Silk Dragon II (2024), which showcases his dedication to bringing global poetic voices into English.
Beyond writing, Sze has served as professor emeritus at the Institute of American Indian Arts and was the first poet laureate of Santa Fe, New Mexico. His honors include the Bollingen Prize, the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, and a Lannan Literary Award.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment marks a milestone in the history of the laureateship. Arthur Sze is the first Asian American poet to hold the role, and his commitment to translation projects signals a new direction for the post.
By highlighting poetry from multiple languages, Sze aims to broaden the reach of literature in the United States, emphasizing how translation can enrich daily life. He has noted that in a fast-paced world, poetry allows individuals to slow down, pay attention, and connect more deeply with one another.
Cultural and Historical Context
The position of U.S. Poet Laureate dates back to 1937 and was expanded by Congress in 1985. While officially nonpolitical, the laureateship carries cultural significance as a national ambassador role for poetry. Each laureate has freedom to shape their tenure, often initiating public programs, readings, and educational outreach.
Past laureates include Ada Limón, Joy Harjo, Tracy K. Smith, Juan Felipe Herrera, and Rita Dove. Their legacies have promoted diversity, classroom engagement, and the preservation of poetic traditions. Sze’s emphasis on translation extends this history while bringing a fresh global dimension to the laureateship.
| Year | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2019 | National Book Award for Poetry, Sight Lines |
| 2014 | Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Compass Rose |
| 2021 | The Glass Constellation honored by National Book Foundation |
| 2024 | Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry, Library of Congress |
| 2025 | Appointed U.S. Poet Laureate |
Reflections from Arthur Sze
In accepting the appointment, Sze described the recognition as both humbling and transformative. “As the son of Chinese immigrants, and as a student who left MIT to follow poetry, I never imagined this honor,” he said.
Sze emphasized that the laureateship is not solely his achievement but belongs to teachers, librarians, editors, poets, and readers who support the art. His statement underlined a collective vision of poetry as a shared cultural endeavor.
Public Engagement and Plans
During his term, Sze will deliver a reading at the Library of Congress on October 9, 2025, launching the literary season. Free tickets will be available online beginning September 18.
His initiatives are expected to spotlight translated works and bring together poets from diverse backgrounds. Through community events and public programs, Sze hopes to foster dialogue across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
- Encouraging appreciation of poetry in schools and libraries nationwide
- Highlighting translated poetry to expand access for broader audiences
Role of the Poet Laureate
Although housed within the Library of Congress, the laureateship is designed as a cultural rather than political role. Its purpose is to elevate national consciousness around poetry, ensuring its continued relevance across generations.
Historically, poets have served as the voice of the people, chronicling collective experiences and offering perspectives during times of change. While not a political position, the Poet Laureate often acts as a cultural witness, giving form to the subtler realities of civic life.
Impact and Legacy
Arthur Sze’s appointment continues the tradition of using poetry as a unifying art form. His emphasis on translation underscores how diverse voices can reshape American literature and deepen its connections to global traditions.
As laureate, Sze is expected to inspire both seasoned readers and newcomers to embrace poetry as a source of empathy, reflection, and cultural enrichment. His tenure will reinforce poetry’s enduring role in shaping public dialogue and individual lives.
Closing Thoughts
The Library of Congress’s appointment of Arthur Sze as U.S. Poet Laureate for 2025–2026 represents both recognition of his extraordinary career and a commitment to expanding poetry’s reach.
By emphasizing translation, cultural diversity, and public engagement, Sze’s laureateship promises to enrich American literary life while bridging voices across the world.
For more information and event details, visit loc.gov/poetry.
Sources: Library of the Congress.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
