Students invited to enter library's poetry contest
Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe and Wallace Stevens have had their beaming moments.
Now it's Glen Ellyn area middle school students' turn to shine.
The Glen Ellyn Public Library is accepting original poems written by area junior high students today through April 30.
On May 7, a winner from each grade will be announced and their work will decorate the library.
The Middle School Poetry Contest has been around for several years. While some literacy teachers make it a requirement for students to submit their work to the contest, many other young poets enter on their own.
"It's surprising how good the poetry really is," librarian Carolyn Wissmiller said. "People who enter really put a lot of work into it."
Submissions range from funny to sophisticated, and short to long. Others discuss life experiences.
"Some students really enjoy writing poetry, and you can tell," Wissmiller said.
The library will accept up to three poems from each student. Once all submissions are in, a team of youth services librarians read and rank them, choosing three favorites.
"Sometimes we're all over the place," Wissmiller said. "But most of the time there's a general consensus."
To submit a poem
What: Glen Ellyn Public Library's Middle School Poetry Contest
When: Taking submissions today through April 30; winner announced May 7
Where: Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St.
Details: (630) 469-0879