The Dayton Metro Library’s Poetry Contest is open and accepting entries through September 30, 2016. Residents of the Miami Valley region are eligible to enter in one of three age categories: Teen (age 13-18), Adult (age 19-59) and Senior (age 60 and over).
A panel of judges will read the entries in October, and awards will be presented at a Poetry Party awards ceremony with open mic on Saturday, November 5, 2016. The Friends of the Dayton Metro Library provide cash prizes in each age category, with first place winning $100, second place $75 and third place $50. Finalists are notified by phone.
“There’s so much talent and creativity in our community, and not only among experienced writers,” said Gwen Owen, poetry contest coordinator. “Many people find they have something to say and a unique, creative way to say it. The Library’s Poetry Contest encourages them.”
Judging the contest this year are Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin, Professor Emeritus of the University of Dayton; Sinclair Community College English Department Faculty Adam Williams and Carl DeSantis; and poets T.J. McGuire and Aimee Noel.
Entry forms with official contest rules are available at all Dayton Metro Library locations, online at DaytonMetroLibrary.org or by calling the External Relations Office at 937-496-8901. Entries must be received at any Dayton Metro Library location no later than 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, to be eligible.
ADULT CATEGORY:
MATT BIRDSALL – Poet, Editor of Dayton’s literary journal Mock Turtle Zine and author of The Long and Short of It (his first full-length collection of poetry).
DAVID GARRISON – Poet, Professor Emeritus, Modern Languages, Wright State University. Ohio Poet of the Year in honor of his book Playing Bach in the D. C. Metro.
SIERRA LEONE – Artistic Director of The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show, an urban creative arts production housed at The Loft Theatre. President of Tripple Croxx Entertainment and Director of Signature Educational Solutions; a leading independent, creative arts & educational organization in downtown Dayton.
The judges for the poetry contest are as follows:
SENIOR CATEGORY:
GARY PACERNICK – Poet and Professor Emeritus of English/creative writing/poetry at Wright State University.
GARY MITCHNER – Poet, Professor Emeritus of English and former Chair of English, Sinclair Community College.
FURAHA HENRY-JONES – Poet and Professor of English, Sinclair Community College since 2005. Speaker at TEDxDayton in 2013
TEEN CATEGORY:
M. ALICE CALLIER – Educator, Dayton Public Schools, Wright State University, Sinclair, Wilberforce University and Central State. Member of Dayton Metro Lifelong Library Advisory Council.
ELIZABETH SCHMIDT – Poet, Librarian, Coordinator of Wright Library Poets.
STEPHANY ARAUJO – Dayton Metro Library Teen Services Librarian, Brookville Branch.
