Russ Boyington named Northfield's new poet laureate

The Northfield Public Library, Arts and Culture Commission, Library Board, and Friends and Foundation of the Northfield Public Library (FFNPL) are pleased to announce that Russ Boyington, who writes under the name Russ Paladin, has been named as Northfield’s next Poet Laureate.

The Poet Laureate position is part of an overall effort to advance the visibility, quality, and appreciation of poetic arts in schools, among practicing poets, and for public audiences. The title is set for a three-year term, with Boyington serving as a coordinator and creative leader for poetic and literary arts in the community.

“Northfield is a community that is already rich in poetry,” said Library Director Natalie Draper. “We’re eager to see Russ’s ideas for new and exciting ways to weave poetry into the fabric of our vibrant arts community.”

The position, currently held by “CoPoLos” D.E Green and Becky Boling, and previously by Rob Hardy, is responsible for the monthly Poetry Open Mic Event (POME) and the Library, as well as introducing special guest poets and other projects. Funding is provided by the Library and FFNPL.