A pen draws with flowers blooming in its path. Text reads: Words in Bloom: Annual CPRL Poetry Contest

Join us this April for our annual Poetry Contest! This year's theme is Words in Bloom - celebrating the beauty and power of nature. The contest is completely free - no entry fees! Submissions will be accepted from April 1-30 at any CPRL branch or by using the online form below.

Contest Rules:

Step 1:    Draw a set of five random words at your CPRL branch or generate them online by clicking here. (Keep these handy for your entry form!)
Step 2:    Write a poem with the theme of nature, using your 5 words anywhere in the poem. Any poetry style is accepted, 40 lines maximum.
Step 3:    Fill out an entry form from your local CPRL branch or online, and submit your poem!

Click here for an online submission form.
Click here to download a printable submission form.


Age Categories:

Children: Up to 12 years old
Teen: 13 to 18 years old
Adult: 19 years and up

Prizes (in each age category):

1st place: $35.00 Amazon Gift Card
2nd place: $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
3rd place: $15.00 Amazon Gift Card

Judging:

Contest entries will be judged on poetic technique, thematic effectiveness, style and creativity. Winners will be announced by Monday, May 11. Gift cards will be awarded after prizes are announced on our website and social media.

Full Contest Rules:

No entry fees required. You must have an active Craven-Pamlico Regional Library card. Only one poem per person. Maximum of 40 lines per poem. Entries will be accepted from April 1 to April 30, 2026, at any CPRL library branch or online at www.mycprl.org/poetrycontest. Contest entries are judged based on poetic technique, thematic effectiveness, style, and creativity. Poem may be written in any poetic style and on any subject, but must include your 5 random words. The poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest. Entry into this contest is consent to publish your poem on our website and social media with full name credit. Poems containing language that is vulgar, offensive, or wholly inappropriate will not be accepted. Gift cards will be available to the winners after judging of poems and the winners are posted on our website. All prizes sponsored by Peggi Carman. Winners will be announced by Monday, May 11.