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. Winning poems are selected from each grade, and winners are invited to a special ceremony to read their poem aloud and receive an award.
Submissions are now open for the 27th annual Youth Poetry Contest!
This contest is for K-8 students who live or go to school in Cambridge.
Submit your original poems by Friday, May 1.
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 2 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.
Poems may be dropped-off at the Central Square Branch Library Children's Room or submitted by email/mail. Mail entries to: Poetry Contest Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch 45 Pearl Street Cambridge, MA 02139 Email entries to:
For more information:
Call 617-349-4012 or email jpittel@cambridgema.gov
Congratulations to last year's winners of the 26th Annual Youth Poetry Awards. Our ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 3 and poets had the opportunity to read their winning poems aloud and accept their prize. Please read the winning poems here.
