The Cambridge Public Library Annual Youth Poetry Contest, started in 1998, celebrates original poetry written by kids in kindergarten through eighth grade (or the age equivalent) in Cambridge. Every spring, winning poems are selected from each grade. Winners are invited to a special ceremony to read their poem aloud and receive an award.
Submit your original poems by Wednesday, April 30 for this year's contest!
Poems will be judged for interesting content and creativity as well as consistent and imaginative style. Winners will be notified mid-May, and prizes will be awarded at a ceremony and reading on Tuesday, June 3 at 6 p.m. Poems in languages other than English are welcome. Please also include an English translation (which does not need to be poetic). Winning poems may be published online.
Include your name, pronouns, grade, school, phone number and email address with each entry. If you are a teacher submitting entries from your class, please also include your name and email address on each entry – we will contact you if your class has a winner.
Mail entries to:
Poetry Contest
Cambridge Public Library
Email entries to:
This program is organized by the Central Square Branch of the Cambridge Public Library and is supported by the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library.
For more information about the program, please contact Hill Saxton at hsaxton@cambridgema.gov or by calling 617-349-4012.