Celebrate National Poetry Month by participating in our poetry contest! Last year our poetry contest focused on a theme; this year, we are asking everyone to write a particular style of poetry and the theme can be anything you choose. You may write poetry that is either free verse, rhymes or an ode. Two teen (ages 15-19) and adult winners (ages 20+) will be selected from each poetry type.
To participate, you must be 15 years or older and live, work or study in Fairfax County. Winners will be announced on June 5. Each person will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift card; a certificate signed by Jessica Hudson, our Library Director; and an invitation to read their poem at our Poetic Musings Celebration on Thursday, June 29 at Burke Centre Library at 7 p.m. Our keynote speaker for this event is Danielle Badra, the 2022-2024 Fairfax Poet Laureate.
Poems should be submitted online. The online submissions form will be available from April 1-May 7, 2023. Submissions will not be accepted by mail or in person.
Before submitting a poem, find out who is eligible and review the entry rules.
To get the writing juices flowing, we are hosting virtual and in-person writing workshops that will focus on one of our featured poetry types: Free Verse, Rhymes and Odes. These writing programs will create safe and creative spaces for those who want to learn about poetry.
