OCPL Poetry Contest
Celebrate National Poetry Month by participating in OCPL's very first Poetry Contest! There are three age categories:
Middle School (ages 11-13)
High School (ages 14-18)
Adult (18+)
Poetry must be submitted in-person at the library's Children's or Adult Service Desks during the month of April. Entries will be judged by members of the community. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for each category, as well as a chance to be published in the Oak Creek Current magazine and on OCPL's website. Winners will be announced at the Poetry Open Mic Night on May 16, 2025 and be invited to read their poems aloud if they would like.
Submission Rules
Poem must be handed to a librarian at the Children’s Service Desk or the Adult Services Desk during the month of April. Emailed poems or poems submitted through social media platforms will not be accepted. There is no fee to enter.
An entry card must be completely filled out and attached securely to the poem with a paperclip. DO NOT use any staples. Entry cards can be collected and filled out at the same time you submit your poem.
Poem must be typed on white paper in black ink. Poems should be single-spaced. DO NOT print double-sided. Poems that are hand-written will not be accepted. Staff can assist with using the library computers to print your poem.
Poetry may be written in any poetic style and on any subject.
A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest.
Plagiarism is a serious offense with serious consequences.
Poet may not use any AI software to create poem.
Only one poem per person is allowed.
All poems must be written in English.
Poems containing language that is vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate will not be accepted.
Do not include your name or any other information at the beginning or end of your poem. Poet’s information will be on the entry card.
Judging
Contest entries are judged based on poetic technique, effectiveness, style, and creativity. Winners will be chosen by the judges. Decisions and winners are final and cannot be contested.
Prizes
Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category. Additionally, all winners will have the chance to be published in the Oak Creek Current magazine and/or on OCPL's website. Winners will be announced at the Poetry Open Mic Night on May 16, 2025 and be invited to read their poems aloud if they would like.
Disclaimers
By submitting a poem to our contest, you accept that your poem may appear online and in print. We reserve the right to not publish a poem for any reason.
Registration not required. Find out more by visiting oakcreeklibrary.org/events or over the phone by calling 414-766-7900.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2923239-0
