In the months of March and April, Brussels Library invites Children, Tweens, and Teens in our community to create a poem and share it with us.

It’s easy to enter the Library’s Young Poets contest. Just write a poem and enter to win a prize.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• Entries will be judged on creativity and style.
• There is no theme.
• There are two age groups: Children/Tweens, ages 8 to 12 and Teens, ages 13 to 18 
• 1st, 2^nd,3^rd place, and honorable mentions will be awarded to each age group.
• Winners and honorable mentions will be contacted by phone or email, and their works will be displayed online and in book form or by May 10, 2026. 
• Winners and honorable mentions will receive a copy of their winning works in book form.
• The USAG Benelux – Brussels Library 2026 Young Poet Contest book will be implemented into our book collection for patrons to check out.

POETRY REQUIREMENTS:

• Participants can type or write their poem (just be sure we can read it).
• Electronic submissions will be accepted. Don’t forget the entry form.
• Entry forms are available at Brussels Library and ONLINE HERE.
• Entry forms must be signed by a parent or guardian to confirm that it is ok for the child, tween, or teen to participate in the poetry contest.
• Submitted poems will not be returned. They must be printed neatly or typed. Make sure it's legible.
• Poems will be judged by original content, style, vocabulary, and creative artistic expression.
• Content should be appropriate for Children, Tween, and Teen audiences. 

HOW DO I SUBMIT?

• Participants may email an electronic copy of their poem and the entry form to usarmy.brussels.library@army.mil OR bring it in person with an entry form at the library.
• Poems submitted in person without the form will not be considered. Make sure to attach the completed form.
• The last day to submit entries is April 17, 2025.