FRESNO (KMJ) — The creative talents of Fresno County are being invited to help mark National Poetry Month – by entering their own creative works.
The 18th Annual Poetry Contest kicked off April 1st, and will run until April 30th.
“You could actually win a prize”, reveals Teen Programming Librarian Misha Hacke “We’re giving away Barnes & Noble gift cards in each category.”
There are four categories for those wanting to show off their poetry skills: 3rd grade to 6th grade, 7th grade to 8th grade, 9th grade to 12th grade, and adults 18 years or older. There are three prizes in each of the four categories – winning 1st prize earns a $100 gift card, 2nd prize a $50 gift card, and 3rd prize a $25 gift card.
Entries in the adult category can also be made in Spanish.
“It is new this year, we were able to find a judge who could judge poems in Spanish.”
For those who are unsure about whether or not they should enter, Hacke says they should just give it a shot.
“The library is all about being open to everybody and we want everybody to share their talents.”
There has already been significant interest in the competition, with library officials receiving 25 entries in its first week alone.
“We do actually have some poetry writing workshops, as part of our poetry month,” continues Hacke. “Just in case anybody does want to write a poem, but maybe isn’t confident.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
