CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Public gatherings in Cortland County will soon see more poetry.

The county is in the process of selecting a poet laureate. Legislator Reed Cleland said the chosen person would speak at various events.

“Perhaps the swearing-in of elected officials,” he said. “Perhaps different dinners and banquets.”

Cleland said poetry readings could also happen at festivals.

“Holiday in Homer comes to mind . . . the Marathon Maple Fest comes to mind,” he said.

Cleland said Cortland County will become the smallest county in New York to have a poet laureate.

“Normally it’s typical of larger, more metropolitan counties,” he said.

Cleland, who studied theater at Colgate University, said he’s honored and excited to lead the selection process.