Two Poetry Contests

In celebration of National Poetry Month, we are hosting two separate poetry contests. Enter one or both!

Poetry Recitation Contest

Choose a poem, learn it by heart, and record your recitation. Poetry memorization is a fantastic way to tune your ear to the music of language, and make a beautiful (or serious or whimsical or funny) piece of writing yours forever.

Contest guidelines:

  • You may submit up to two 2 entries
  • Each recitation is limited to 4 minutes
  • Poems must be appropriate for all ages
  • Submit recorded entries using the form below, through our Facebook page (there will be a pinned post), or or stop by the library and a staff member will be happy to record your submission for you. You are also welcome (but not required) to recite your selection during Poetry Reading Night.
  • Entries must be submitted by Thursday, April 23rd
  • Contest is open to all ages

Winners will be announced at our poetry event on  April 24th, and the prize is a book of the winner’s choosing.

Video example: a dramatic recitation of the Ring-verse from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, shared with permission.

Poetry Writing Contest

Aspiring poets and other creatives, submit your original poetry for a chance to win and have your work shared locally.

Contest guidelines:

  • Poetry must be entirely your own work and may not include any material generated by AI
  • You may submit up to 2 entries
  • Each entry is limited to 2 pages
  • Submit each entry as MS Word Document or PDF using the form below, or use the library computers to type and print your submission
  • Entries must be received by Thursday, April 23rd
  • Contest is open to all ages

Winners will be announced at our Poetry Reading Night on  April 24th, and winning pieces shared on social media and the Boyceville Public Library website. The prize is a book of the winner’s choosing.