Poetry contest creates competition at Norfolk Public Library

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti once said, “Poetry is eternal graffiti written in the heart of everyone.”

Now, Norfolk Public Library cardholders can express their eternal graffiti during the library’s annual poetry contest.

The library has held the contest for about 10 years.

Jessica Chamberlain, the Norfolk Public Library director, said the contest is a great way to introduce poetry to the community.

“It’s just really a fun way to invite all ages to engage with poetry which can be a little intimidating and it’s a short poem,” Chamberlain said. “It’s no more than 16 lines, so it’s a fun way to play with language, play with words and get yourself involved in a different kind of literature than what you normally do in your day-to-day life.”

Poems must be an original, unpublished piece of work and must include a title.

There are three divisions for participants; ages 12 and under, 13 to 18, and 19 and older.

Each work will be judged on originality, creativity, and artistic quality.

Chamberlain recommends that the contest can be for anyone.

“I think poetry can be really beautiful and it can be very touching and very meaningful," Chamberlain said. “Sometimes it's a way to connect with an idea or an emotion that is hard for you to put into words. It just gives voice to our human inexperience.”

Winners of each category will be awarded a $25 gift card to a variety of Norfolk businesses.

Poems must be entered by March 31 and winners will be notified on April 15.

All works will be displayed in the library for National Library Week from April 23 to 29.

Click here for a link to enter the contest.