The Clarendon Hills Public Library has named a local resident as its first poet laureate.
The Village Board approved the appointment of resident David W. Berner to the position, in which he will promote poetry through public readings, community projects, or by composing poems for special occasions.
The village and library agreed that creating a village of Clarendon Hills poet laureate position seemed like a great way to build community through the creative writing arts, “something the community could appreciate,” said Library Director Lori Craft.
“After meeting with David, his enthusiasm, vision and writing experience, made him seem a perfect fit for the inaugural poet laureate,” she said.
Berner will serve a two-year term. After his inaugural appointment expires, the next poet laureate will be selected through an application process.
Kraft said Berner will use his voice and vision to celebrate the spirit of Clarendon Hills through original work, public readings and educational programming. His responsibilities will include composing a poem that reflects on the current moment in the village, leading at least one public poetry event and teaching two community writing workshops annually through the library.
“David Berner brings a deep understanding of the transformative power of storytelling,” Craft said. “His work resonates with authenticity, reflection, and a genuine sense of place. We are thrilled to have him share his voice and inspire others to do the same.”
Berner is an award-winning author and widely-published poet whose work explores personal narrative, place, and connection. In addition to his writing, he is an educator and radio journalist, with a longstanding commitment to fostering literary engagement.
Berner contacted the village to offer the suggestion of creating the new position at the library.
“You may have heard of big cities and states, and of course the nation, naming poet laureates as a way to promote the arts, to offer reading and literary events, and even writing workshops for adults and young adults interested in a creative life,” he wrote in a letter to the village.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
