Herrea appointed to second term as US poet laureate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera has been appointed to a second term.

Acting Librarian of Congress David Mao made the announcement Wednesday night, saying he knew Herrera would continue to “inspire and educate with his warmth, enthusiasm and creative genius.” Herrera’s new term, which lasts one year, will begin Sept. 1.

As laureate, Herrera has launched an online project, www.loc.gov/poetry/casadecolores , which includes an epic poem written by members of the public and a virtual tour of the library’s resources.

Herrera, the first Hispanic laureate, said in a statement that he looked forward to sharing the “inspiration tsunami” he has been given by communities nationwide.

The 67-year-old Herrera is known for such poetry books as “Half the World in Light,” winner of a 2008 National Book Critics Circle prize.

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