Berkeley County Library System (BCLS) invites Berkeley County residents to participate in its 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 over
Winner selection will occur as follows:
- First place: $50
- Second place: $25 cash
- Third place: $15 cash
Friends of the Berkeley County Library provide prizes.
“One of our visions is to engage and enrich citizens,” said Florence Lewis-Coker, senior branch librarian. “Poetry builds 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 may submit one poem by visiting the BCLS Poetry Contest or in person at any BCLS branch library during April 8–12.
- 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, are 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 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, April 19. Winners in each category will be invited to read their poems, and all attendees are welcome to read them. RSVP to 843-719-4223 if you are planning to attend this event, which will include light refreshments.
