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April is Poetry Month! The John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library is hosting a Poetry Contest. All types of poems are welcome. Entries can be no more than one page with no obscene or derogatory language. Submissions will be accepted by email at jfkreference@gmail.com or by dropping them off at the library between April 1-30. We reserve the right to deny any entries that don't comply with the rules. Original works only! Check our website for updates or call the library at 313-791-6050. Last day to submit an entry is April 30.  Winners will be announced the week of May 4, 2026. Open to all ages. 

Poetry Contest Rules:

• The poetry contest is open to everyone regardless of age or residency. 

• Poems must be the original work of the author.

• Maximum length of poem is one page.

• Poems should be typed or neatly written. All poems become the property of Dearborn Heights Library and will not be returned. 

• If submitting a physical copy, the author's name and contact information should be included on the back of the poem. Electronic submissions sent to jfkreference@gmail.com should include contact information if email is not the preferred method for contest notifications. 

• No profanity, crude themes, or derogatory language is allowed.

• Other languages besides English are welcome and translations would be appreciated as we may not be able to judge it due to staff limitations--translations are not included in the one page count.

• Poetry will be displayed in John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library and on the library's website. If you wish your work to remain anonymous, please note your wishes at time of contest entry.

• Poems will be judged by a team of John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library staff members. 

• Dearborn Heights Library retains the first rights for publication of prize-winning poems. 

• Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2026. 

• Winners will be announced the week of May 4, 2026.