Linda Opyr, the Nassau County Poet Laureate 2011–2013, is the author of nine collections of poetry. Her latest collection, The Kite, was published in 2025. Her poems have appeared in The Hudson Review, Poetry Ireland Review, Crannóg, The Stony Thursday Book, Atlanta Review, Paterson Literary Review, Antiphon, The Seventh Quarry, Oberon, and The New York Times. Numerous other journals, anthologies, and newspapers have published her poems, as well.
Linda Opyr is a nominee for a 2025 Forward Prize for Poetry in the category of Best Single Poem – Written. Her poem, “Argos Dreamed,” was selected by the editors of Crannóg: International Literary Magazine for this prestigious nomination.
She has been featured in the Bailieborough Poetry Festival in County Cavan; the Walking with Whitman Series at the Walt Whitman Birthplace; and the Poetry Series at Long Island University, C.W. Post campus. She was the Visiting Poet in the 1999–2000 Writers Series at Roger Williams University and for many years served on the poetry faculty of the New England Young Writers’ Conference at Bread Loaf, as a featured poet and keynote speaker. In April of 2001 the Suffolk County Legislature presented her with a Proclamation in honor of her poetry.
In 2003 Linda started a poetry workshop at the Elmont Memorial Public Library. It continues to foster a love of writing and appreciation of poetry for residents of Long Island who attend its monthly sessions. The Elmont Public Library has received grants from Poets and Writers twice in support of these workshop sessions.
She has been a featured reader in poetry venues throughout Long Island including Cedarmere, the Walt Whitman Birthplace, the Amagansett Marine Museum, and the Southampton Historical Museum. Numerous libraries, coffeehouses and bookshops have hosted her readings, as have various colleges and universities.
Linda holds a Doctor of Arts degree from St. John’s University in English and American Literature, and both a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Psychological Services, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Springfield College.
The poet’s life and work is deeply rooted in Long Island. Her walks in the Island’s woods and gardens, and pilgrimages to shores, bays and ocean are central to her days.
Linda may be contacted to schedule readings or workshops via her website, where information about her current activities may also be found: www.lindaopyr.com