Celebration of Poetry

Share your poetry with the community during our Celebration of Poetry!

We celebrate our newest poets right here in south central Pennsylvania!

Each year, we ask students from across York and Adams Counties to submit their best poems for our annual Celebration of Poetry. The judges read dozens of entries in six different age brackets:

  • Grades 1-2
  • Grades 3-4
  • Grades 5-6
  • Grades 7-8
  • Grades 9-10
  • Grades 11-12

Let your creativity soar! Previous poem entries have included themes of nature, people, trips, and the universe! Four winning poems will be selected for each of the six age brackets.

Read the 2022 Winning Poems

Download a printable copy of the 2022 “A Celebration of Poetry” book here.

Congratulations to all of our 2022 winners, and a huge thank you to all who entered—please keep writing and sharing your work with the world. The world needs its poets and artists!


Celebration of Poetry 2023

Guidelines for Submission

  • Entrants must be between Grades 1-12.
  • Entrants may submit one original poem in the style of their choice.
  • Poems must be the work of an individual and not a group or collaboration.
  • Poems should be typed or neatly printed.
  • Contact information should not be included directly on the poem – include it on your entry form or email **This is part of our fair judging process.
  • Any accompanying artwork must be original.
  • Poems will become the property of York County Libraries and will not be returned, so please keep a copy of your poem for yourself.
  • Poems can be submitted between November 20, 2022 and January 20, 2023.
    • Submit your poems by dropping them off at any library location or by using the online entry form below.
    • If submitting at a library: Download, print, and complete the Celebration of Poetry submission form

Have questions? Email us at [email protected].


Sorry, this form is no longer available. Thank you to this year's participants. Check back in November 2023 to compete in next year's Celebration of Poetry!