Benicia Literary Arts, the nonprofit dedicated to publishing locally written works, has added three board members, including the city’s new poet laureate, Don Peery.

“(Former Poet Laureate) Lois (Requist) invited me to be a board member of the Literary Arts group,” Peery said. After his first meeting, he said, “I am getting up to speed there.”

Peery, a Nebraska native, grew up in Shasta County. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he and his family lived in Redding.

He’s been an engineer and surveyor for CalTrans, an employment officer, a director of a nonprofit organization that trained low-income Shasta County residents and helped them find jobs, and a community college associate vice president for economic development.

He also has been writing poetry fo five decades, and has published four volumes of his work, which also has been published in magazines.

Peery has been part of the Benicia First Tuesday Poetry Group since 2005, and has lived in Benicia since 2008. He is the city’s fifth poet laureate and will have that position until June 2016.

Joining him on the BLA board is Mary Eichbauer, president of the Board of Trustees of the Benicia Public Library and BLA editor in chief.

The third new member is Thomas Stanton, artist and poet who has worked on BLA’s previous publications. He also is the designer of “A Word For All Seasons,” the First Tuesday Poets’ most recent anthology.

“We’re delighted to have these highly qualified additions to our board and look forward to working with all of them in various capacities,” Requist said.

Other members of the BLA board are President Josanna Berkow, Vice President Dave Badtke and James Stevenson; Peter Bray works on the group’s website, publicity and media contacts.

Stevenson, a publisher, will be instrumental in the BLA reprinting of “The Capital That Couldn’t Stay Put,” expected to be released Oct. 15 and sold as a fundraiser.

“The book was sold for years at our old State Capitol here in Benicia, and was available at numerous museum and historical sites around the state,” Stevenson said, referring to the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, 115 West G St.

But he ceased James Stevenson Publisher operations in 2012.

“Robin Lancaster, who manages the Old Capitol gift shop, has placed an advance order, and the buyer for the gift shop in the Sacramento State Capitol has also promised an order when the book is available,” Stevenson said.

“The proceeds are entirely for the benefit of the Benicia Literary Arts, and are expected to produce a source of funding for activities,” he said, adding, “Donations to Benicia Literary Arts are tax deductible.”

Requist said BLA’s recent series of salons has been so well received that the program will continue with its next event at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St.

Those attending will hear the store’s owner, Christine Mayall, describe the business side of book selling in today’s environment, trends in purchasing and her own experience as a bookstore owner.

At the scheduled Nov. 17 salon, area book club members will be asked to participate, Requist said.

She said Benicia Literary Arts plans to publish a second edition of “The Carquinez Review” that highlights local art and literature.

Among other planned projects is one led by Stanton, a coloring book that will depict Benicia’s historical sites.

The group also expects to participate in Bookfest Solano, the Solano County Library Foundation event slated for April 11-12, 2015.

As editor, Eichbauer is receiving manuscript submissions. Those wanting to submit manuscripts may visit the BLA website, www.benicialiteraryarts3.org. Those interested in BLA may call Requist at 707-746-5070.