Billy Collins, U.S. Poet Laureate: A Resource Guide
American poet Billy Collins served as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry from 2001-2003 at the Library of Congress. This guide provides access to selected print and online resources related to Collins' life and work.
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Authors:
Maura Byrne, Intern, Poetry and Literature Center
Anne Holmes, Digital Content Manager, Poetry and Literature Center
Peter Armenti, Reference Specialist, Researcher Engagement & General Collections Division
Penny White, Reference Librarian, Researcher Engagement & General Collections Division
Created: July 23, 2020
Last Updated: March 20, 2025
Introduction
Billy Collins, U.S. Poet Laureate, 2001-2003. Photo credit: Suzannah Gilman.
On June 21, 2001, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced the appointment of Billy Collins to be the 11th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Of his appointment, Dr. Billington said,
Billy Collins's poetry is widely accessible. He writes in an original way about all manner of ordinary things and situations with both humor and a surprising contemplative twist.