The 18th Annual East Lake County Library Poetry Contest winners have been chosen. The contest
began in April as part of National Poetry Month, with submissions accepted through May 18.
Everyone was welcome to enter the contest regardless of age or experience. All entrants
were encouraged to mail or email up to 10 original poems on topics of their choosing.
This year, 81 poets ranging in age from 5-89 submitted their work for a chance to win top prizes.
Poets entered from across Central Florida, with a few entering from outside Florida, including
North Carolina and South Africa.
The Palm Writers’ Group, a volunteer group based in Sorrento, Florida, has been judging the
contest’s poems for many years. They received 261 total poems in this year’s contest. Poems were
judged based on content, flow and originality.
“It’s amazing to see how far this poetry contest has come,” said Scott Amey, Library
Assistant II at the East Lake County Library and the founder of the poetry contest.
“It was especially important to have the contest this year as it provided a fun and
creative outlet for people during the coronavirus pandemic.”
All first place winners received a $50 gift certificate to Books-A-Million. Runner-ups
received a $25 gift certificate to Books-A-Million, and third place winners
received a $15 gift certificate to Books-A-Million. Those who earned honorable
mentions were mailed a certificate of recognition. All entries were mailed a certificate of
participation for their contributions. The Friends of the East Lake County Library,
a non-profit group, funded the prizes.
Please contact Mr. Amey for more information about the contest and winners.