The annual Poet-In-Residence program is proudly sponsored by WWBA. Each year the program features revered and distinguished contemporary poets who continue to embody Walt Whitman’s spirit of democracy, diversity and creativity.

• 2021- Forrest Gander
• 2020- Juan Felipe Herrera
• 2019- Jane Hirshfield
• 2018- Vijay Seshadri
• 2017- Marilyn Hacker
• 2016- Robert Pinsky
• 2015- Yusef Komunyakaa
• 2014- Li-Young Lee
• 2013- Naomi Shihab Nye
• 2012- Martín Espada
• 2011- C.K. Williams

• 2010- Mark Doty
• 2009- X.J. Kennedy
• 2008- Alicia Ostriker
• 2007- David Wagoner
• 2006- Molly Peacock
• 2005- Nikki Giovanni
• 2004- Marvin Bell
• 2003- Samuel Menashe
• 2002- Gary Soto
• 2001- Billy Collins
• 2000- Marge Piercy
• 1999- Yevgeny Yevtushenko
• 1998- Mark Rudman
• 1997- Galway Kinnell
• 1996- Diane Wakoski

• 1995- Joseph Bruchac
• 1994- Robert Bly
• 1993- Adrienne Rich
• 1992- Sharon Olds
• 1991- Allen Ginsberg
• 1990- William Stafford
• 1989- Stanley Kunitz
• 1988- June Jordan
• 1987- David Ignatow
• 1986- Galway Kinnell
• 1985- W. D. Snodgrass
• 1984- John Ciardi
• 1983- Louis Simpson
• 1982- Allen Planz
• 1981- William Heyen