Big Read Poetry Contests

As part of the state-wide Big Read, the public libraries of Jefferson County are sponsoring two poetry contests: 1) a Word Up! poetry slam for high school students and 2) a written poetry contest for middle-school students. The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore the importance of reading in American culture. We will be encouraging everyone in the state to read and discuss The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

For details on entering the Word Up! contest for high school students (grades 9-12), visit http://www.jclc.org/wordup.aspx. The deadline for schools to sign on to participate for Word Up! is December 10, 2009.

For details on entering the written poetry contest for middle school students (grades 5-8), visit http://www.jclc.org/services/poetry/BigReadPoetryContestbrochureJeffCo.pdf. The deadline for schools to sign on to participate in the written poetry contest is January 15, 2010.

Schools wishing to participate in the contests should call 226-3670 or e-mail Haruyo Myagawa at hm@bham.lib.al.us by the designated dates. Good luck, students!