April is National Poetry Month – Commit a Random Act of Poetry!
National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets. National Poetry Month hopes to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture. It also hopes to teach appreciation for poetry as an art form.
Each year, publishers, booksellers, educators, and literary organizations use April to promote poetry: publishers often release and publicize their poetry titles in April, teachers and librarians focus on poetry units during the month; and bookstores and libraries often hold special readings by poets.
It’s easy to enter the Library’s Random Acts of Poetry contest, just write a poem and enter to win a prize.
What: A poem. Type or write your poem (just be sure we can read it). Electronic submissions will be accepted. Don’t forget an entry form. Entry forms are available at all Library locations and at teenspace.cincinnatilibrary.org. There is a limit of four entries per person.
When: April 1–30. Poems submitted after April 30 will not be eligible for the contest.
How: A hard copy of your poem mailed to:
Teen Poetry Contest/TeenSpot
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County
800 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
or,
– An electronic copy emailed to [email protected].
– Hand delivered to any Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County location.
Prizes: Prizes will be awarded in two age categories: 12-14 and 15-18. Winners and Honorable Mentions will be announced in May and prizes awarded at a recognition event at the TeenSpot at the Main Library. Winning poems will be included in a volume printed in house that will be added to the Library’s collection. Winners will also receive a copy of this collection.
Entries will be judged on creativity and style. There is no theme. The contest is for teens ages 12-18. Content should be appropriate for the teen audience. If you are entering more than one poem in the contest, turn in one entry form with each poem you submit. There is a limit of four entries per person. The contest is for teens and will also be judged by teens. Teens from the Library’s Official Teen Advisory Board will select the winners, with final approval from Library staff.
Things To Do:
- Read a book from out Poetry, Please! booklist
- Take a look at these poetry websites for inspiration
Sponsored by the Kersten Fund.
