On April 23, 1974, Librarian of Congress L. Quincy Mumford appointed Stanley Kunitz the 22nd Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Kunitz served two terms as Consultant, concluding his tenure in spring 1976.

Twenty-four years later, on July 31, 2000, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington appointed Kunitz to be the 10th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, making Kunitz the third poet to serve as both consultant in poetry and poet laureate. Of his appointment, Dr. Billington said,

Stanley Kunitz is a creative poet in his 95th year, having published his first volume of poetry in 1930. He continues to be a mentor and model for several generations of poets, and he brings to the office of Poet Laureate a lifetime of commitment to poetry that is a source of inspiration and admiration for us all. We derive enormous pleasure from his willingness to serve as the nation's 10th Poet Laureate, bringing to bear his unparalleled knowledge of 20th century poetry as we enter the 21st century.

Kunitz served one term as poet laureate, finishing his duties in spring 2001.

This guide provides an overview of print and online resources related to Kunitz's life and work. To suggest additions to this guide, please contact the Researcher and Reference Services Division.