Poetry contest

The annual poetry contest is approaching


The Lincoln County Library System is gearing up for its 15th annual poetry contest.

This year’s judge will be local poet Amy Pearson, who also works as the executive director of the Yaak Valley Forest Council. The main judging criteria will be original use of language, vivid imagery and imagination.

No theme has been chosen for the junior and youth registrations.

For adults, the theme this year will be “water”, for example: watershed; rivers, streams, oceans, ponds; swim; sin; or any other connection to our most valuable resource.

All forms and styles are welcome, including free verse. Two poems can be submitted per person, and no more than 40 lines are allowed per poem.

The library asks contestants to write their name and number on the back of each poem to keep judging anonymous.

Note “junior” for preschool-5th grade submissions; “youth” for grades 6-12 submissions, or “mature” at the top of each submitted poem.

Winning poems will be submitted to local newspapers and distributed at the library.

Submit poems to the Lincoln County Library at any branch: Eureka, Libby, and Troy.

The deadline for entries is April 28. Contact your local Lincoln County Library branch with any questions.