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Library of Congress Research Guides

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.

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.

Collins took up his duties in fall 2001, giving his inaugural reading on December 6. Collins served two terms as poet laureate, finishing his duties in spring 2003.

This guide provides an overview of print and online resources related to Billy Collins' life and work. To suggest additions to this guide, please contact the Library's poetry and literature specialists.

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