Feeling poetic? Celebrate National Poetry Month by writing a haiku.
See how much impact you can make in just three lines!
Starting April 1, let the poetry writing begin. Turn in your poem by 5pm on Friday, April 24, 2026.
You can only enter once, and your writing must be your own work (not AI). Enter online or turn in your entry form at any NOLS branch or the Bookmobile.
If you use the printed entry form, make sure your name and contact information is only on the back or stapled as a separate page so that judging can be anonymous.
Examples:
Haiku is a poetic form originating in Japan. In English, haiku are most often three unrhymed lines which are five, seven, and five syllables long. Haiku typically describe imagery that helps to capture a moment in time.
Here are some examples of haiku:
In cold, clear water
jumping raucously upstream,
salmon return home.
A rock holds jewels:
sea star, barnacle, mussel.
Tidepool full of life.
Warm smell of baking
Chocolate, butter, vanilla.
Dad’s famous cookies.
Prizes:
One grand-prize winner and two runners-up will be picked at each NOLS branch! You must live in Clallam County to qualify for prizes.
- Grand prizes: $25 gift card.
- Runners-up prizes: Notebook and pen.
Judging will be anonymous. Entries will be scored by a panel of library staff. Submissions will be judged based on creativity, command of language, voice, and technique.
Winners will be contacted by phone or email. With permission, winners will be announced and poems will be shared on social media and online at NOLS.org on April 30.
Questions:
If you have questions, please email teens@nols.org or ask at your local branch.
This program is generously supported in part by local Friends of the Library groups.
