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Jackson District Library
Locations at the JDL
Young Poets

Jackson District Library's 23rd Annual Young Poets Contest is almost here!

Enter your poem between December 1, 2026 and February 15, 2027 to qualify. Young Poets is open to K-12 students (including homeschool) in Jackson County only.

  1. Young Poets is open to any K-12 student in Jackson County
  2. Poems must be the original work of the student and cannot be generated, in whole or in part, by Artificial Intelligence
  3. Poems should be no more than one-page (maximum of 500 words) in length - grades 9-12 - two pages (maximum of 1000 words)
  4. Poems should be typed or written neatly
  5. All poems become the property of the Jackson District Library and will not be returned. The Jackson District Library retains the first rights for publication of prize-winning poems
  6. All poems must be received by February 15, 2027
  • Four winning entries (First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention) will be chosen for each grade level.
  1. Poems will be judged by JDL’s Poetry Panel
  2. Poems will be judged by grade level
  3. Poems will be scored on the basis of creativity, vocabulary, quality of verse and creative expression

Entry Submission

Online Submissions:
Use this online submission form.
Teachers interested in group/classroom submissions should contact Youth Services Kristin Stiger for details on bulk uploads.

  • File should be a Google Doc, PDF, or Image (JPEG/PNG)
  • File Name should be Grade_School_Student Last Name_Student First Name
    (ex. 4th_JacksonElementary_Doe_John)

Paper Submissions:
Print and fill out this registration form, and attach it to the submission (print forms are also available at all JDL branches).
Teachers can use this form for group/classroom submissions.

  • Ensure that the poet’s first and last name, school, and title are on the poem itself.
  • Submit physical poems at any JDL location or mail to:
    Jackson District Library
    Youth Services Department
    290 W. Michigan Ave.
    Jackson, MI 49201