KEARNEY, Neb. — Nebraska’s newest State Poet, Jewel Rodgers, spent Tuesday afternoon at the Kearney Public Library leading a writing workshop designed to help local creators explore storytelling in new ways.

Rodgers is a 2025–29 Nebraska State Poet, Academy of American Poets Fellowship recipient, three-time TEDx speaker and nationally touring performance poet who was invited by library staff to host the session.

She said her focus is on connecting with people and seeing how others interact with her work.

“It’s been fun being a state poet,” said Rodgers. “My job is to advocate for poetry, literature, and literacy while bring poetry to as many communities across Nebraska as possible.”

Rodgers’ visit comes after a public reading at the University of Nebraska at Kearney the night before.

She says her mission is to make poetry accessible by blending genres and collaborating with other artists — from photographers and musicians to videographers in ways that can spark new interest in the art form.

“Maybe someone isn’t into poetry, but when they see it presented differently, it can change their perspective on what poetry can be,” she said.

Rodgers has been writing since around age 10 and says her journey to State Poet wasn’t something she ever expected.

She hopes events like Tuesday’s workshop help inspire new voices and keep poetry vibrant. “I’m just having a good time following my heart,” she said. “I never thought I’d be a state poet. I was just sharing my thoughts and feelings... and here I am.”

The Kearney Public Library hosts workshops and creative programs throughout the year as part of its effort to support local writers and artists.