Berkeley County Library System (BCLS) is extending the submission date for the Poetry Contest through May 11, 2024. Berkeley County residents may submit one poem by visiting BCLS Poetry Contest or in-person at any BCLS branch library through May 11. In addition, winners and attendees, in each category, will be invited to read their poems, Friday, May 17, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. during Open Mic Night at Moncks Corner Library, located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner.
The Poetry Contest offers participants an opportunity 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+
Winner selection will occur as follows:
- 1st Place = $50 cash; 2nd Place = $25 cash; 3rd Place = $15 cash
*Prizes provided by Friends of the Berkeley County Library.
"One of our visions is to engage and enrich citizens," Florence Lewis-Coker, Senior Branch Librarian said. Poetry builds your emotional intelligence by accessing parts of your brain that are not normally active. You can also understand yourself by reading poetry. In conclusion, I will say that poetry helps build up early literary skills."
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.
Poetry Judging Criteria:
- 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 are 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 Library System social media channels.
Poetry Reading:
- Moncks Corner Library will host an Open Mic Night on Friday, May 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Winners in each category will be invited to read their poems and all attendees are welcome to read their poem. Please RSVP to 843-719-4223 if planning to attend this event which will include light refreshments.
For more information on Poetry Contest and Open Mic, contact Florence Lewis-Coker at 843-719-4223 or florence.lewis-coker@
