Berkeley County Library System (BCLS) invites residents to participate in the Berkeley County Library System Poetry Contest for a chance to win a first, second, or third place prize in the following age levels:
- Children ages 6-12;
- Teens ages 13-17;
- Adults ages 18 and above
Winner selection will occur as follows:
- 1 st Place = $50 cash;
- 2 nd Place = $25 cash;
- 3 rd Place = $15 cash
Poetry contest is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley County Library System who provided the prizes.
Contest Details:
- Participants must reside in Berkeley County with one entry per person.
- The poem is the participant’s original work and does not exceed 250 words.
- Online and printed entries must use Times New Roman serif font, size 12 in PDF, DOC, or DOCX file format.
- Entries must not contain profanity or graphic content.
- Entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian permission to enter.
- All entries are final. No substitutions or editing will be permitted after submission.
- Participants may submit one poem by visiting Poetry Contest or in-person at any BCLS branch library during March 21 – 26, 2022.
Poetry Judging Criteria:
- Adheres to poetry contest theme and uses poetic language, such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, imagery, metaphors and similes to enhance the poem
- Uses rhythm or rhyme for understanding and elevation.
- Grammar and punctuation, if included, is used to convey consistent meaning.
- Voice and tone is used for imagery.
- First, Second, and Third place winners will be selected from each age group by a panel of judges using a 10-point scoring system.
- Poems may be published on Berkeley County media channels.
Poetry Reading:
- On Friday, April 1, 2022, BCLS Moncks Corner Library will host a Poetry Reading/Mic Night. Winners in each category will be invited to read their poems.
- All entrants will have the option of reading their poem.
- RSVP is requested for this in-person event which will include light refreshments.
