NPL presents the 2025 Bill E. Shakesbeare Poetry Contest, a contest for local 5th -12th grade students in honor of National Poetry Month.

Four winners (2 in the gr 5-8 category, 2 in the gr 9-12 category) will receive gift cards to Unlikely Story and have their poems displayed in the Teen Area until the end of May.

RULES:

1.) Poem must be an original work that you wrote. 

2.) Poem should be no longer than 40 lines and kept to one page.

3.) No poems with profanity, please.

4.) We require an entry form with each poem

5.) Only 2 poems per participant may be submitted.

6.) No poems will be accepted after the deadline.

DEADLINE: All entries must be submitted through e-mail or to the library by April 18th.  

Two ways to submit with this entry form:

Email ariendeau@sailsinc.org with poem(s) attached & scan in/attach filled out form (In the subject line: Poetry Contest) 

By paper:  Print, fill out, & bring to the circulation desk at the library. Please staple together entry form + poem(s). 

Questions? Email Miss Allison at ariendeau@sailsinc.org.