Writers, Ready Your Pens; Dakota County Annual Poetry Contest Now Open

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Dakota County.

Dakota County Library’s annual poetry contest will celebrate all kinds of poetry—from haiku to free verse and odes to sonnets. Poets of all ages are invited to obtain an entry form online and submit an original poem to any of the Dakota County Library locations during the month of April. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in five different age groups: children 6–8, children 9–11, teens 12–14, teens 15–18 and adults. Winners will have their poems published on the Dakota County Library website, and will be recognized at the following events:

Children’s Poetry Night Open Mic

Rewards will be given to children who read one of their favorite poems or an original they wrote themselves. Children’s poetry contest winners will be announced. Ages 5–12.
When: 7–8 p.m. Monday, April 15
Where: Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville

Poets in the Park Teen Poetry Slam

Slam master Cynthia French will lead this spoken-word poetry competition coordinated by Caponi Art Park, the Dakota County Library system and teens from the School of Environmental Studies. Teen poetry contest winners will be announced. A Minnesota Legacy program. Ages 12–19.
When: 2–5 p.m. Sunday, May 5; registration begins at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Caponi Art Park Theater in the Woods, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan; rain location is Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan

Adult Poetry Contest Event: Katrina Vandenberg

Katrina Vandenberg will discuss her work, including The Alphabet Not Unlike the World: Poems. Adult poetry contest winners will be announced, followed by a poetry open mic. A Minnesota Legacy program.
When: 7–8 p.m. Thursday, May 23
Where: Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan

Additional poetry opportunities

Prior to speaking at the adult contest event in May, Katrina Vandenberg will host a workshop for teen poets and writers.
When: 4–5:30 p.m. Monday, April 1
Where: Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan

For more information about upcoming Library events, call 651-450-2900 or visit www.dakotacounty.us/library.