Embrace your inner poet by entering our annual Poetry Contest during National Poetry Month. Haiku, free verse, odes and sonnets — whatever your poetry style, poets of all ages are encouraged to submit original poems from April 1–30.
Poems will be judged in the following age groups:
- Children age 6–8
- Children age 9–11
- Teens age 12–14
- Teens age 15–18
- Adults ages 19 and older
Guidelines
- Poems must be your original work.
- Only one entry per person.
- The poem should be authored by a single person.
- The poem length should not exceed two pages.
- Poems should be written with a general audience in mind.
- Poems without completed entry forms will not be considered for prizes.
- Please do not put your name on the page containing the poem or in the poem itself.
- Minors must have their parent or legal guardian approve the entry form to be considered for prizes.
- Poets must have a Minnesota address to be considered for prizes.
- Dakota County Library staff and their immediate family members are not eligible.
How to enter
In person: Bring your poem and a completed
Poetry Contest Entry Form to any Dakota County Library.
Email: Send your poem and a completedPoetry Contest Entry Form to
libraryprograms@co.dakota.mn.us. All entries due by Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Winning poets will be announced in May, and their poems will be published on Dakota County Library's website. The top three poems in each age category will be awarded prizes. Prizes will be mailed to each winner using the address listed on the entry form.
Poetry workshops
Celebrate National Poetry Month with interactive workshops for a variety of ages, designed to help you strengthen your poetry creation and gather inspiration. Registration required separately for each event. A Minnesota legacy series.
Eclipse Blackout Poetry
Drop in to play with words and make blackout poetry from recycled book pages. Then decorate celestial themed paper frames to display the poems. Presented by Z Akhmetova. Geared for all ages.
Inver Glen
Wednesday, April 10, 6–7:30 p.m.
Poetry Writing with May Lee-Yang
Explore poetry writing exercises and have fun experimenting with your writing. Learn how there is no right or wrong way to write, and poetry does not have to rhyme. A kit with materials needed for the workshop will be mailed to you prior to the event. These programs are limited to attendees with Minnesota addresses. Presented by COMPAS Teaching Artist May Lee-Yang. Registration required. Geared for adults.
Zoom virtual event
Tuesday, April 9, 1–3 p.m.
Register now.
Elements of Poetry
Learn about the fundamentals of poetry including language, form and imagery. Write from guided prompts and read select poems closely in order to deepen your knowledge of poetic form and develop an increased awareness of the art of poetry. Presented by Loft Literary Center. Registration required. Geared for adults.
Zoom virtual event
Tuesday, April 23, 1–2:30 p.m. Register now.
For more information, email
libraryprograms@co.dakota.mn.us or call your local
Dakota County Library location.