Billy Collins

The most widely known poet in the United States, Billy Collins will be making his fourth appearance at the Tucson Festival of Books. He is known as the People's Poet because his easy-to-read, witty, often-tender poems can be enjoyed by all.  

Collins was the Poet Laureate of the U.S. when the World Trade Center was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. Asked to commemorate the one-year anniversity with a poem, he read The Names to a joint session of Congress in 2002. 

His latest collection is entitled "Water, Water." 

Visit website |

Awards: Guggenheim Fellow, Pushcart Prize, American Acadamy of Arts and Letters

Meet Billy Collins

Billy Collins was the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001-03, and is best remembered for the poem "The Names," honoring the victims of September 11. Called the People's Poet for his easy-going, easily-understood style, Collins is making his fourth visit to the Tucson Festival of Books.

Koffler Room 204 (Seats 300, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Poetry
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - UA Campus Store Tent (following presentation)  

Panelist: Billy Collins
Moderator: Gay Vernon

Billy Collins, a Poet for the People

Billy Collins, called "The People's Poet" for a writing style that appeals to so many readers, has long been a Tucson Favorite. He attended our first festival, and is back again to chat about his life and his love of poetry. Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003

UA Mall Tent (Seats 250)  
Sun, Mar 16, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Poetry
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Central Mall (following presentation)  

Panelist: Billy Collins
Moderator: Tyler Meier

Books:

Water, Water

Poems
Poetry
Random House
November 2024
ISBN 9780593731024
144 pages
Buy now

Musical Tables

Poems
Poetry
Random House Publishing Group
November 2023
ISBN 9780399589805
192 pages
Buy now