When is the Contest: April 1 - 30, 2025.
Submission Deadlines: Entries and registration forms must be received by 11:59:59PM on April 30, 2025.
How to Enter:
- Online: Complete the registration and submission form online
- In Person: Submit your poem and complete a paper entry form at any SJPL location
- Doublecheck Your Entry: Please ensure all names, poem title, and contact info are accurate.
- Limit 1 Entry: Only one submission/entry per person/contestant.
Who Can Enter:
- All Ages: Contest is open to writers of all ages. Submissions will be categorized into 4 different age groups: 0-9, 10-12, 13-17, 18+.
- Amateur Authors Only: Contest is limited to amateur authors only.
- No SJPL Staff in General Public Contest: San José Public Library staff may not enter submissions for the General Public contest. Library staff may enter into the staff-only contest.
Content Requirements:
- Original Work Only: Submitted work must be a fully original work. Entries must not have been previously published, self-published, published on a website or made public on social media, broadcast, or featured among the winners in another competition.
- Located in California: This contest is only open to California Residents
- No AI: Submissions created with artificial intelligence (AI) will not be considered.
- World Languages Accepted: Authors may submit entries in languages other than English but must also provide an English translation. Judges will score the entry based on the English translation.
- Audience Level: Submitted work must be for general audiences. We will not accept entries with explicit language or mature content.
- Length Limit: 4,500 characters max, including spaces, punctuation, and special characters.
- Proofread: Check for spelling or grammar errors.
- Format: Text only. Images or drawings will not be considered.
How Scoring Works:
All submissions will be judged according to the following rubric and scoring criteria. The judges read all the entries; their decision is final. Neither the judges nor San José Public Library staff will enter into any correspondence regarding appealing scores.
Contest Prizes and Winners
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd: Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners for each age category.
- Gift Cards: Any cash prizes will be awarded as gift cards.
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Winner Notification & Announcements:
- Prizewinners will be notified by email or phone (information used from Contest Entry Form) of their prize status.
- Prizewinners will be announced on San José Public Library’s website.
- Where to Pick Up Prizes: Prizes will be available for pickup at the winner’s preferred SJPL location.
Publication:
- Publishing Winners: Winning entries and selected works will be published in San José Public Library’s online collection in Short Edition and BiblioBoard.
- Reproduction & Reuse: San José Public Library reserves the right to reproduce your work. You can reuse all your work after the contest.
Related Page: Spring Into Poetry
