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Library of Congress Research Guides

Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate: A Resource Guide

American poet Ted Kooser served as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry from 2004-2006 at the Library of Congress. This guide provides access to selected print and online resources related to Kooser’s life and work.

Introduction

U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, 2004-2006. Photo credit: Sarah Greene.

On August 12, 2004, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington appointed Ted Kooser to be the 13th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. On making the appointment, Billington said,

"Ted Kooser is a major poetic voice for rural and small town America and the first Poet Laureate chosen from the Great Plains. His verse reaches beyond his native region to touch on universal themes in accessible ways."

Ted Kooser took up his duties in fall 2004, opening the Library's annual literary season on October 7 in the Montpelier Room. Kooser was appointed for a second term on April 7, 2005, and finished his duties in spring 2006.

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

Contact Information for Ted Kooser

If you would like to contact Ted Kooser please direct your inquiries as suggested below:

  • Reading and Event Requests: Contact Blue Flower Arts External, which represents Ted Kooser, if you would like to schedule Kooser for a reading or other event.
  • Permissions Requests: Contact the publisher of the poem or work written by Kooser that you'd like to use.
  • Reference Questions: Use the Library's Ask a Librarian service.
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