Poetry Contest

Participants are invited to submit one original poem in any or all of the three categories. All entries must be appropriate for all ages and free of personal information. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or trying poetry for the first time, this is your moment to shine—share your voice, your imagination, and your creativity!

Three Categories: Epigram • Haiku • Interlocking Rubaiyat

• Submissions: February 17 - March 20
• Voting: April1 - 30 on Facebook Page

Must be 18+ to Participate
No Late Entries Will Be Accepted
All Works Must be Original
Poems Must be Typed in English
Each Poem Cannot Exceed One 8.5”x11” Paper
Vote In-Person Each Day During the Voting Period and Once on a Pinned Facebook Post 

Full List of Guidelines and rules

1. Patrons must be 18 years or older.
2. Patrons must submit their entries by 5pm on March 20th, 2026. No late entries will be accepted.
3. All work must be suitable for all ages.
4. All work must be original, without clichés or phrases, and typed in English. We will be checking for plagiarism. Poems containing plagiarism will not be voted on.
5. Poems must use proper capitalization (i.e., not in all capital letters, capitalizing when necessary) and grammar. Do not use abbreviations or “texting” lingo.
6. There are three categories (epigram, haiku, and interlocking rubaiyat) and the poem with the most votes in each category will win a prize and book bundle.
7. Patrons may submit a poem for all three categories (epigram, haiku, and interlocking rubaiyat) but can only win one prize and book bundle.
8. Poem length is limited to one typed 8.5” by 11” page per work.
9. Do not include personal information on the poem page itself, only the entry form.
10. There must be an entry form turned in with each poem.
11. All patrons may vote daily in-person from April 1st to April 30th and once on our pinned Facebook post.
12. Winners will be contacted by phone by May 5th and can pick up their prize and book bundles after.

For more information, call the library at +1 (580) 442-3806 or +1 (580)442-2048.