Submissions accepted for New Milford Poetry Contest

NEW MILFORD, Conn. – Residents of New Milford are encouraged to tap into their creative side in the coming weeks.

The second annual New Milford Poetry Contest has returned, with submissions being accepted now through April 25.

The Town of New Milford, the New Milford Commission on the Arts and New Milford Public Library are co-sponsors of the New Milford Poetry Contest.

The contest is open to New Milford residents in four age categories: youth 8-12; young adult 13-18; adult 19-55; and senior 56+.

The literary arts offering, which celebrates National Poetry Month in April, will conclude with a public poetry reading and awards ceremony.

“Poetry plays an important role in the literary arts,” said New Milford Poet Laureate Deborah Rose, who in 2023 revived the contest from years past, with support from the arts commission and library.

“It is a form of expression,” she said. “It helps people learn, express emotions, and it brings people together. Plus, it helps people explore their creativity and think from different perspectives.”

“We have had a great reception the last two years and we look forward to more submissions this year,” Rose said.

A blind read of poems will be conducted by Rose, Canterbury School English Department Chair Madelaine Lord, and New Milford Public Library Services Librarian Amy Berkun.

Poems will be accepted by email, and can also be dropped off at the library, through April 25. 

Winners will be notified by May 2 and invited to read their poem at a poetry reading in Memorial Hall at New Milford Public Library May 17 at 2 p.m. In addition, cash prizes will be awarded.

In addition, the winning poems will be displayed at New Milford Public Library from May 11 through June 11.

Full guidelines are posted at www.artsnewmilfordct.org and www.newmilfordlibrary.org by March 7.