Poet Laureate Program

Poetry Events and Workshops

Complimentary poetry workshops are open to poets of all levels. An RSVP is not required for workshops.

Caffeinated Verse: Hosted by Malibu Poet Laureate Charlotte Ward. Welcoming those who love the poetic word, Caffeinated Verse is a City of Malibu monthly poetry celebration with a featured reader and an open mic for all who wish to share. An RSVP is not required. 

  • Saturday, March 14, 11 AM - 1 PM at the Malibu Library
    • Leila Chatti, award-winning poet, "Play in the Mind, Play on the Page"
  • Saturday, April 11, 11 AM - 1 PM at the Malibu Library
    • Tim Seibles, Virginia Poet Laureate, 2016-2018 "Treks into the Complicated and Marvelous Territories of the Heart and Mind"

Poetry Writing Studio: Vibrant Cycles: From the vast cosmic cycles--nebulas, galaxies, stars, planets, black holes, deep space, and dark energy--through the earthly cycles of geography, seasons, and all living things--to the very vibration of elementary particles, let us poets explore, express, and celebrate all forms of energy.

Join this generative poetry writing studio where we will cycle with each other's energies, read and discuss poems to stimulate our imaginations, and write original poems from prompts or personal impetus. This studio environment is designed for everyone, regardless of experience. Come prepared with pen, notepad, and fervor. Led by Malibu Poet Laureate Charlotte Ward. An RSVP is not required.

  • Saturday, February 21, 11 AM - 1 PM at the Malibu Library
    • Charlotte Ward: "Family, Friends, and Lovers"
  • Saturday, March 21, 11 AM - 1 PM at the Malibu Library
    • David Oliveira: "Stars: Light & Burn"

Poetry: CALL FOR ARTISTS

Additional details related to the City's Call for Artists are on the Malibu Arts Commission's website.  

Verse About Town

Malibu Poet Laureate

Charlotte WardCharlotte Ward has co-authored The Home Birth Book, Doubleday; Simply Live It Up: Brief Solutions, Purposeful Press; and since 1991, multiple editions of the best-selling gemology series: Diamonds, Emeralds, Gem Care, Jade, Opals, Pearls, Phenomenal Gems, and Rubies & Sapphires, Gem Book Publishers. She has edited many business projects, six books on life coaching, and three memoirs. With a BA in English and a teaching certificate from University of Florida, and an MLS with Distinction from Georgetown University, she holds credentials in the MBTI, Neuro-Linguistic Programing, Photo Reading, and Success Unlimited Network®. Long a member of Malibu Woman's Club who delights in collaboration, she hosts a writing group, participates in area poetry events, and attends Santa Monica College Emeritus creative writing and literature classes. At an early age, Charlotte chose poetry as her vital means of self-expression.

Visit Charlotte's website here.

Malibu Poet Laureates

Nathan HassallAugust 2023 - August 2025
Ann BuxieSeptember 2021 - August 2023
Dr. John StruloeffOctober 2020 - June 2021
Ellen ReichMarch 2019 - April 2020
Ricardo Means YbarraMarch 2017 - March 2019

2025 Poetry and Art Student Anthology 

"The Light in the Night" includes poems by Malibu Elementary School Ms. Kooy and Ms. Estela's 5th-grade classes, Webster Elementary School Ms. London and Ms. Johnson's 5th-grade classes, Ms. Morris's 4th-grade class, Malibu Middle School Lapajne English Class, and an Independent Study class with Ms. Levy. Student artists from grades Kindergarten to 12 are also featured in this year's Anthology, which is available at Malibu City Hall Community Services Department. 

Malibu Community Poetry Anthologies

"Transformation" edited by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall, with support from the Poet Laureate Committee and the Malibu Arts Commission.

"All Breathing Things" edited by Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie, with support from the Poet Laureate Committee and the Malibu Arts Commission. The anthology includes work from 35 poets.

"A Place Like This" edited by former Malibu Poet Laureate John Struloeff, with support from the Poet Laureate Committee and the Malibu Arts Commission. The anthology includes work from 41 poets and their biographical information. 
 
 "Quilt" features poetry and art from fifth-grade students at Malibu Elementary School. Students attended poetry writing workshops with former Poet Laureate Ricardo Means Ybarra and Jolynn Regan. The program also included art lessons with Nicole Fisher.