PORTSMOUTH — The city welcomed John-Michael Albert as its newest poet laureate Monday night.

Albert, who has lived in Portsmouth for more than 10 years, was named to the post in front of a crowd of supporters packed into Council Chambers at City Hall.

Following the announcement, Albert was welcomed with a standing ovation from members of the City Council and audience members.

In acknowledging his new post, Albert read his poem “Teaching Poetry to 3rd Graders” before those in attendance. Employed full time in the music department at the University of New Hampshire, Albert will succeed outgoing poet laureate Mark DeCarteret of Stratham.

The post is awarded by the nonprofit Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program to one poet every two years after a lengthy selection process.

Having become a well-known literary figure at both the local and state levels, Albert called poetry his “first love” on Monday night.

With many publishing and editing credits to his name, Albert said he is excited to see what the next two years will bring.

According to a statement from the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program, Albert’s motto for the upcoming two-year stint will be “Nothing is ordinary,”which he applies to his own writing as well as his advice to others.

In the coming months, Albert said he hopes locals know that he is readily approachable to discuss all matters dealing with poetry.