The Lorain Public Library System is set to host its annual Toni Morrison poetry contest for 2026, inviting local talent from Lorain County to showcase their creativity. From February 19 to March 26, 2026, students in grades six through twelve and adult residents can submit one original poem for the chance to win prizes.
Submissions must be sent via email to [email protected] and should be included in the body of the email, rather than as an attachment. Each participant is required to provide their legal name, a pen name if applicable, the name of their school and grade level, home address, phone number, and email address.
Poems can be in free or formal verse, with a maximum length of 40 lines. All entries should be double-spaced and formatted in 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri font.
The contest will award prizes of $75, $50, and $25 in three distinct categories: grades six through eight, grades nine through twelve, and adult entrants.
As part of the contest, all participants are encouraged to attend an Open Mic Poetry event at the North Ridgeville Branch on April 28, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30. This event will provide a platform for poets to share their work in front of an audience, fostering a sense of community among local writers.
For additional information regarding the contest and the Open Mic event, interested individuals can reach out to the library at [email protected]. The library’s initiative aims to celebrate the legacy of renowned author Toni Morrison while encouraging creative expression among the youth and adult populations of Lorain County.
