April is National Poetry Month and Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Let’s celebrate our mothers by writing them a special poem.
Guidelines
The contest is open to amateur poets 14 and older and in any poetry style. Works must be previously unpublished in print and online, including on personal blogs. Poems may not exceed 4500 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Poems must be for general audiences. We will not accept entries with explicit or mature content. Only one submission per person. All submissions must be proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
Age Categories
High School
Adult
Prizes
Each category will have one winner. All winners will receive a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card and a special medal made in the library’s Makerspace. Prizes will be claimed in person at the winner's preferred branch location.
Judging
Overseeing the judging process will be our Adult and Youth Reference library staff. Winners will be announced on May 10, 2024, and will be published on the library website for the rest of the month and posted on our social media channels.
How to Enter
Complete the online registration form to submit your poem online, or bring your poem to the Adult Services Desk at the Main Library (Harnish) or Eastgate Branch. Poems submitted in person should be printed (not handwritten) and your submission should include the following: entrant’s full name, age category, phone number, and email address. Submissions are accepted between April 15 and May 3, 2024.
Questions
If you have any questions about the AAPLD Mother's Day Poetry Contest, email:
Raluca Barbu at raluca.barbu@aapld.org for adults
Holly Eberle at holly.eberle@aapld.org for high school students
Please register with a valid email address to receive the link to join via Zoom. AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.