“A poet’s work is to name the unnamable, to point at frauds, to take sides, start arguments, shape the world, and stop it going to sleep.” ~ Salman Rushdie
Are you a poet? If so, you might know that sharing your poems can be terrifying. But it also can be gratifying, provide the opportunity to receive feedback and work towards growth, and create space for connection with other poets.
In preparation for National Poetry month this April, FRCC and Poudre Libraries are jointly hosting a poetry contest which is open to those who are affiliated with FRCC, or who reside in the service area of the Poudre River Public Library District.
There are two categories: Adult and Teen. Poets may submit in one category only and may submit no more than one poem. There are no limits as to style, but poems must not exceed two pages. Submissions are open Feb 1- 19.
This contest is a revival of the library’s former poetry contest, The Battle of the Bards, which has not taken place for the past several years. The board hosting this event consists of Poudre Libraries staff, FRCC staff, and members of the community. Their hope is to promote and celebrate poetic creativity in the community.
On April 4, FRCC’s Larimer Campus will host an event in Long’s Peak Student Center from 7:00- 8:30 pm, where finalists will be invited to read their winning poems aloud. Even those who have not submitted a poem are welcome to come and enjoy the reading and participate in the kick-off celebration of National Poetry Month!
The winning poems will be available to read afterwards on the Poudre Libraries website.
The Harmony Library has been a joint-use facility since 1998 serving both the Poudre River Public Library District and Front Range Community College Larimer Campus. Joint events happen throughout the year.
“I always encourage the students to use the library,” says Laura Puls, FRCC’s Senior Librarian, “This is their library. Not only for places to study, but we have many resources that are available. I do want to provide that social space as well. I encourage students to check out the public library’s event calendar, there’s a lot there.”
To find the full contest rules, and to submit your poems, go to the Poudre Libraries website at: https://read.poudrelibraries.org/contact/poetry/
does the poetry contest happen every year?