EXTENDED SUBMISSION DEADLINE!

Submit your poem through May 11, 2024

All ages are welcome to participate in this Poetry Contest! 

Please submit one original poem by May 11 by registering with this form: BCLS Poetry Contest (libwizard.com), or by visiting the Moncks Corner branch.

The contest is open to three age groups: 6-12; 13-17 & 18+.  You could win a $50, $25 or $15 prize!  

"One of our visions is to engage and enrich citizens. Poetry builds your emotional intelligence by accessing parts of your brain that are not normally active. You can also understand yourself by reading poetry. In conclusion, I would say that poetry helps to build up early literary skills."

     -Florence Lewis-Coker, Senior Branch Librarian

Contest Details: 

• Participants may submit one poem by visiting BCLS Poetry Contest (libwizard.com) or in-person at any BCLS  branch library by May 11, 2024.
• Participants must reside in Berkeley County with one entry per person.
  
• The poem is the participant's original work and does not exceed 250 words.

• Online and printed entries must use Times New Roman serif font, size 12 in PDF, DOC, or DOCX file format.
• Entries must not contain profanity or graphic content.
• Entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian permission to enter.  
• All entries are final.  No substitutions or editing will be permitted after submission.

Poetry Judging Criteria:

• Uses poetic language such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, imagery, metaphors and similes to enhance the poem.
• Uses rhythm or rhyme for understanding and elevation.
• Grammar and punctuation, if included, is used to convey consistent meaning.
• Voice and tone is used for imagery.
• First, Second, and Third place winners will be selected from each age group by a panel of judges using a 10-point scoring system.
• Poems may be published on Berkeley County Library System social media channels.

Poetry Reading:

• On Friday, May 17, 2024, Moncks Corner Library will host an Open Mic Night.  Winners in each category will be invited to read their poems and all attendees are welcome to read their poem.
• Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Please RSVP to 843-719-4223 if planning to attend this event which will include light refreshments.

The contest is sponsored by The Friends of the Berkeley County Library.  For more information on FOL, visit Friends of the Berkeley County Library. Customers may also follow on Facebook.

We can't wait to see and hear your entries!