NEW YORK — The Library of Congress appointed Arthur Sze to a second one-year term as U.S. poet laureate. Sze, 75, began his first term last fall and plans to take his project "Words Bridging Worlds" on a nationwide tour that will include readings, discussions and workshops.
"I am excited to embark on taking my signature project, 'Words Bridging Worlds,' to multiple cities to celebrate poetry and poetry in translation, and where people can use the book to try translating poems from another language into English," Sze said in a statement. His book "Transient Worlds," which focuses on poetry in translation, was published on April 14, 2026.
Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Randolph Newlen praised the reappointment. "Arthur Sze is opening the world of poetry by giving us a unique view of his process of writing and translating poetry — and challenging students and the public to try writing and translating poetry as well," Newlen said in a statement.
Library of Congress announcements for each of Sze's appointments identify Newlen as acting librarian. The White House named Todd Blanche, then-deputy attorney general, as acting Librarian of Congress following the departure of former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden last year. The Library of Congress continued to hold traditional events such as the National Book Festival after Hayden's departure, and Sze served at the institution without incident during the leadership transition.
According to the Library of Congress website, U.S. poet laureates are expected to avoid political commentary and carry the mission to "raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry." Previous holders of the position include Joy Harjo, Robert Pinsky and Billy Collins.
Sze's poetry collection "Sight Lines" won the National Book Award, and his collection "Compass Rose" was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.