Palatine library announces sixth annual poetry contest

The Palatine Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with a contest, an open mic reading, and an interactive magnetic poetry display.

The library's sixth annual poetry contest invites cardholders of all ages to submit their best original piece for a chance to win a Nancy J. Heggem Poetry Award. The winning poems in each category - youth, teen, and adult - will earn a cash prize generously donated by former library board member, local poet, and contest judge Nancy Heggem.

Contest guidelines and entry forms are available March 1, online at palatinelibrary.org. Submissions will be accepted from Sunday, March 15 through Wednesday, April 15. Poets may submit entries by visiting the Palatine Library website, or by completing an entry form and delivering their work to the Information Services Desk at the main library, or any branch location. Entries will be displayed in the main library.

Winners will be announced at a special ceremony and open mic event on Saturday, May 9. All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win door prizes, including Barnes & Noble gift cards and "Crashing in Velvet," a debut book of poems by Palatine resident Terry Loncaric. Reserve your slot in the open mic by signing up in person beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the event. Residents and nonresidents of all ages welcome. Tickets are available April 22 at the main library.

"Our community's enthusiastic support of poetry continues to fuel and grow this annual celebration of the written word," said librarian and poet Tracie Padal, who's helped coordinate the event for six years.