Words That Grow
Wilmington Memorial Library’s 2026 Poetry Contest is happening now!
Now through April 30, all ages can submit a poem, in any style, on any topic. Please read though our contest rules and information before submitting. Contestants can submit online or print a submission form and bring their poem to the library. If you’re having any trouble, please email us at kids@wilmlibrary.org. Teachers can submit for their whole class at the bottom of this page.
Contest Rules
- Your name should only be on this submission form and not on any page of your poem.
- The theme of your poem can revolve around nature, food, and/or farms, but is not required to.
- Poems can be in any style.
- Poems must not exceed 20 lines in length.
- Poems must not be larger than an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet.
- Only one submission per person.
- Deadline to submit to the Wilmington Memorial Library is Thursday, April 30.
Winners
A panel of judges will select winners in the following categories: Adult, High School, Middle School, and Elementary School Grades Kindergarten through 5th. Winners and honorable mentions will be invited to Poetry Night on Wednesday, May 20 at 6pm, but all are welcome to attend. Winners will receive a book of poetry from the Friends of the Library and honorable mentions will receive a coupon for the Book Store Next Door.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these ideas to help you get started:
- A farm grows food that nourishes our bodies; a library grows ideas that nourish our minds.
- If you planted a word like a seed, what would it grow into?
- What can a seed teach us about growing up?
- How do food and stories connect you to your community or people you love?
- What story does the land around you want to tell?
- What grows when stories are shared?
Teachers
Teachers can submit online for up to 10 kids at a time. Submit as many times as needed to enter your full class into the contest. Each poem document must be titled “Teacher’s Name – Kid’s Name”.
Prefer physical submissions? Feel free to submit poems to the library by filling out a printable Teacher Submission Form (two pages) and either dropping off the poems at the library, sending them via interdepartmental delivery, or scheduling a pickup by emailing us at kids@wilmlibrary.org.
Students’ names should only be on the submission forms and not on any page of their poem, except the back, if submitting physically, and on the name of the file, if submitting digitally.
