York County Libraries (YCL) is seeking entries for its 33rd annual "A Celebration of Poetry" Contest. The contest is open to students in York and Adams counties in grades one through 12. Interested youths can submit one original poem through Saturday, Jan. 29.

The entries will be judged by a panel of local educators and poets. First- through fourth-place winners will be selected in several age groups. The winning poems will be published in a booklet, and winners will be invited to read their poetry during a celebratory event in April.

Students interested in entering the contest should write an original poem in their style of choice. The poem must be written by the individual and not as part of a group or collaboration. Adding original artwork to poetry entries is allowed, but not required.

Entries can be submitted by email, online, by mail or at the member service desk at Martin Library, 159 E. Market St., York. The contest rules and official entry form are available at http://www.yorklibraries.org/poetry.

In addition to the contest, YCL will host a series of poetry workshops to help potential entrants gain knowledge and skills that will help ready them for the contest. Registration is required for the events.

Carol Clark Williams, who also served as poet laureate for York, will host a poetry writing workshop in the series. She will lead students through hands-on exercises designed to spark imagination and creativity in writing poetry. Sessions will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, for students in grades one to five followed by a session for those in grades six to 12 at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 12. Williams' writing has won state, local, and national awards.

Author and poet Lexi Spino will help students learn how to confidently stand in front of an audience and read or recite a poem during two workshops. She will share tips for memorization and how to form a solid performance. The sessions will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, for students in grades one to five and at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, for students in grades six to 12.

Registration for the workshops is located at http://www.yorklibraries.org on the Events Calendar. All workshops will be held via Zoom. For more information about the poetry contest or workshops, contact Jackie Dell-Shearer at jdell@yorklibraries.org.