ROCKLAND – Whether you’re at the Grand Canyon or in your own backyard, there’s always something exciting going on in nature. From the swollen buds of spring to the last rustling leaves of winter, nature is full of poetry. What do you see or hear? What can you smell or feel?
The Rockland Public Library submits the following guidelines for its 2022 Poetry Contest:
Two age categories – 12 and under. 13 years and over.
1 submission per person.
Poems should be one page. It can be written, photographed, typed, etc. but no more than one page document will be accepted.
If you choose to include a photo or drawing, please make a COPY as they will not be returned.
Be sure to include a note indicating WHERE you were inspired, whether it’s a favorite land preserve, state park or city, or the name of the city of your secret outdoor space.
Submit your poems in one of three ways:
Mail: Send to Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Write POETRY COMPETITION and AGE CATEGORY on the OUTSIDE of the envelope.
In Person: As above, feel free to drop off with the staff at checkout. Write POETRY CONTEST and AGE CATEGORY on the OUTSIDE of the envelope.
By email: Send as an attachment to rocklandlibrary207@gmail.com. Attachments can be in Word, PDF, JPEG or PNG format ONLY. Include POETRY CONTEST and AGE CATEGORY in the subject line.
If mailing or depositing, two copies of the poem must be submitted, one without any identifying information and one with name, address, phone number/email address on the back of the poem. Poems must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 8. The poems will be judged blind. The first 3 will be chosen in each age category. These winners will be invited to read their poem during a nature-themed open mic on Tuesday evening, April 26.
By entering the Poetry Contest, you agree to allow the Rockland Public Library to use and/or reproduce your poem (in whole or in part), credited to the author, for use in promotional materials or in as part of a collective work. Contact Jessica Blanchard at the Rockland Public Library at 594-0310 or jblanchard@rocklandmaine.gov for more information.
