Tuesday, March 15 - Tuesday, April 5
Celebrate National Poetry Month by writing your own poetry!
Submit one original poem (40 lines or less) on any topic for a chance to win a Barnes & Noble gift card. Winners published on our website in May. All ages.
How to Enter
Submit online beginning March 15.
Guidelines
Contest is open to all ages.
- Youth (Lower Elementary): through grade 3
- Youth (Upper Elementary): grades 4-6
- Teens: grades 7-12
- Adults: ages 18+
One poem (40 lines max) per person.
Entries must be typed and previously unpublished. Work is judged “blind;” omit personal info (i.e. your name) from your entry.
Teachers submitting multiple student entries can submit this form with print submissions.
There is no entry fee.
Writing Prompts
This contest welcomes poems on any topic, in any style. Need inspiration? Warm up your brain with these writing prompts.
- Let's Write a Hello/Goodbye Poem (recommended for Grades K-5)
- Teacher's Guide
- Let's Write an "-ing" Poem (recommended for Grades K-6)
- Teacher's Guide
- Let's Write a Color Poem (recommended for Grades 3 and Up)
- Teacher's Guide
- Let's Write a Just Because Poem (recommended for Grades 5 and Up)
- Teacher's Guide
Awards & Prizes
The number of prizes awarded is based on the number of entries received and the quality of the entries.
Winners receive a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card and publication of their poem on the Library's website.
Honorable Mentions receive publication of their poem on the Library's website.
All-Winners and Honorable Mentions will be notified by April 20.
Current Library staff, board members, and trustees are not eligible for prizes.
Poetry Fest
Sunday, April 24, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Honor our 2022 award winners and read a poem in our family friendly open mic for a chance to win a special prize.
All ages. Sign-up begins 4/10. Presented: In Person