Calling Local Poets

In honor of World Poetry Day, the Hastings Public Library and the Thornapple Arts Council are pleased to announce a poetry contest! Poets living in Barry County are invited to submit their work for a chance to win a gift card to a local business.

Timeline

Submissions: 3/21-4/10
Public voting: 4/13-4/25
Winners announced: 4/28
Poetry slam: 4/28

Winners will be contacted and announced on the Library website, social media, and at our Poetry Slam on April 28. Winners will receive a gift card to a local business.

Submission Guidelines

Open to: Barry County residents aged 6th grade to adult

• One submission per person.
• Poem can be displayed anonymously, but you must register with your name.
• All poems must be your own, original work without use of AI.
• Format: 1 page, 11pt. font minimum
• Poems containing language that is vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate can be rejected at the Library’s discretion.

One winner each will be chosen in the middle school, high school, and adult categories.

Public Voting

Voting period: April 13-25

Voting is open to the public and will take place online and in the Library beginning April 13. A link to the entries will be available on the Library’s website and will be posted on social media. Physical copies of the entries will be available in the Library. Limit of one vote per person, per day.