The City of Medford invites the community to the installation of its second poet laureate, Vijaya Sundaram, at a ceremony at City Hall. The program will include a reading from Sundaram and a special farewell poem from Medford’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Terry E. Carter. Medford High student Rikita Bk, first-place winner of the Medford Public Schools Poetry Contest, will also give a reading. Originally from India, Sundaram moved to the U.S. in 1988 and is a longtime Medford resident. She previously was a public school teacher in Winchester and is now an assistant professor at Bunker Hill Community College. Her term as poet laureate will extend through June 2025.

The poet laureate, acting as the official city poet, highlights poets, poetry, and literature, particularly working with community members who may traditionally have less access to poetry. Working with the city administration and the Medford Arts Council, the poet laureate  strives to increase access to senior citizens, youth, and non-English speakers across various platforms.

Sundaram also will be performing her poetry along with Medford clarinet player Glenn Dickson at the Medford Farmers Market on Thursday, August 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Condon Band Shell park.