Milwaukee Public Library Poet Laureate Shelly Conley
On Tuesday, February 4, City Librarian Joan Johnson introduced the 2025-2026 Milwaukee Poet Laureate Shelly Conley at an evening program at Central Library. Ms. Conley was joined by several Milwaukee poets during a celebration of poetry and the poet laureate.
The title of Poet Laureate dates back to the 17th century in England. It is an honored literary title held by those of considerable poetic excellence.
The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) has a long history with poetry, appointing its first Poet Laureate in 2000. Since then, the library has appointed 13 poets from across Milwaukee to serve in this role.
[Shelly Conley and Joan Johnson]
The selection process for this year's award began in early October 2024. A seven-member judging committee was formed, comprised of MPL staff as well as respected community members with strong ties to the poetry scene.
Previously, the Poet Laureate selection process was kept confidential until a candidate was chosen. For 2025-2026, poets were asked to self-nominate via an online application. This method broadened community access by opening the opportunity to a wider range of interested community members through this more diverse and inclusive approach.
Twenty-two poets applied for the position and after a careful selection process, the committee chose a writer whose work embodies the spirit of the Milwaukee community and the power of poetry to illuminate the human experience - Shelly Conley.
Milwaukee native Shelly Conley has always had a love for words. As a skilled writer, poet, and all around creative, her listeners call her "gifted", "inspirational", "illustrator" and "amazing", to quote a few words. Shelly is a 7-time member of Milwaukee's National Poetry Slam Team. She recently released Rewind - A Cathartic Autobiography, a magical blend of childhood journal pates, poetry, an amazing soundtrack and more. You can read more about her on the library's Poet Laureate page.
Her inauguration was an evening to remember, filled with poetry, laughter, and maybe even a tear or two. Ninety-eight community members, friends, and family gathered in support of Shelly’s inauguration. The celebration began with a welcome and acknowledgements from Library Director Joan Johnson, followed by an introduction from Library Public Services Area Manager Marian Royal, who also shared a brief history of the MPL Poet Laureate selection process and recognized the two runner-up poets, Chuck Stebelton and Nikki Janzen.
Poets from all over the city of Milwaukee, each chosen by Shelly, graced the stage with words of congrats, gratitude, encouragement and love for the new Poet Laureate. Kwabena Nixon started off with the offering of libations, which is the pouring of a beverage of choice into the earth to honor ancestors, symbolize life and continuity and to reinforce community bonds. Brenda Banks followed with a heartfelt congratulatory speech to her daughter and the reading of one of Shelly’s poems titled “Predestined”. Muhibb Dyer, Tina Nixon, co-owner of my My Sista’s KeepHer, and Nikki Janzen also spoke on behalf of Shelly. [Muhibb Dyer: "Now is your time, my friend.]
[Nikki Janzen: "I'm honored to stand here to congratulate your 2025-2026 - our beloved sister's keeper - Poet Laureate Shelly Conley."
Mario Willis, MPL's outgoing Poet Laureate, passed the torch with a smile, saying "When you get Shelly, you get the whole family, so good luck!" With that, Shelly Conley took the reigns of Milwaukee Poet Laureate with the power of the poetry, family and 
community standing behind her. We look forward to seeing the vibrant tapestry of words she weaves, the stories she unearths, and the connections she forges. We eagerly anticipate the journey ahead, confident that Shelly's tenure will be one of profound artistic expression and meaningful community engagement, leaving an enduring mark on the hearts and minds of all who encounter her work. [Mario Willis: "I'm proud to be part of this legacy."]
Stay tuned for upcoming events featuring our Poet Laureate!
A snippet from
WORK IN PROGRESS
by Shelly Conley
To whom much is given
much is required
While I was created with a gift
Before I was a twinkle in my mother’s eye
If I ever spit one
syllable without meaning
just to create claps
without backing it
with truth and passion,
then let God like a seizure slash my tongue
And if I ever get so
high and mighty thinking
that I am the chosen one,
then let God end my career abruptly
like the Notorious B.I.G.
See these words are a gift that God gave me
All the claps, slams, book shows and CDs mean
nothing
I refuse to paint my words up like a drag queen
won’t chance the listener missing the meaning
cause I believe…
I believe as poets we’re like the 12 disciples
and with each breath I breathe of poetry
I’ve got to feed the masses never mind my ego
Whether poet, pastor or politician
we are blessed with a gift
So our mission
should be to create hope
and save souls
in this world too often labeled hopeless