The Berkeley County Library System is holding its first-ever poetry contest for children, teens and adults.
The Berkeley County Library System Poetry Contest is open to all county residents ages 6 and older, with those under 18 requiring permission from a parent or guardian to enter, according to a BCLS press release announcing the event. Poets can deposit their poems online or at any branch of the BCLS Library from March 21-26.
The competition will be divided into three age groups: 6 to 12 years old, teenagers 13 to 17 years old and adults 18 years old and over. BCLS staff members will judge poems based on criteria such as use of rhythm or rhyme; the use of grammar and punctuation; voice and tone; and how the poems adhere to themes and use poetic language such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, imagery, metaphors, and similes.
Poems cannot exceed 250 words and must not contain profanity or graphic content.
The first place winner in each division will receive $50 cash, while the second place winner will receive $25 and the third place winner $15.
Winners will also be invited to read their poems at a poetry/mic reading night on April 1 at Moncks Corner Library, according to the release. The event starts at 5 p.m. and all attendees will have the opportunity to read their poem.
To submit a poem, visit berkeleylibrarysc.libwizard.com/f/BCLSpoetrycontest or drop off your poem in person at any BCLS library branch. To RSVP for the April 1 poetry reading, call the Moncks Corner Library at 843-719-4223.
The competition is sponsored by Friends of the Berkeley County Library System, which provided the prizes.
