Theme: Moments That Shape Us Rules of Participation: • A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest; plagiarized poems will be disqualified. • Poems may be written in any standard format. • Text should be typed, font size 12. • Poems should be no longer than 2 pages, double-spaced. • Submit 2 copies of your poem, one with no name on it. • Only one entry per person will be accepted; no co-authors. • Poems will be accepted via the website and in person. • The application form must be filled out. • Parents or legal guardians will fill out the Release Form for students under 18. Language Options: • English • Spanish • Mixed English and Spanish Participants: • Students from 1st -12th grade LISD, UISD, private schools, and homeschooling • Adults 18 and over Method: • All contestants will be divided by age and grade level. • The deadline for submitting poems is February 6, 2026, by 6:00 p.m. at the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library. • In-person or online submissions accepted. • Submit your poetry online at: www.laredolibrary.org/23rd-annual-laredo-poetry-festival/ • 3–7 judges in each group will review all poems received and select the top 3 winners and 1–3 honorable mentions. • The top 3 winners in each group will read their poems and receive prizes and gift bags. • Honorable Mentions will receive gift bags and the option to read their poems. • All participants will receive certificates of participation. Results: • Winners’ poems will be published. • The Poetry Festival will continue yearly as a local educational activity. Sponsors: Laredo College Laredo Independent School District Texas A & M International University
Title of Poem*Original poetry submissions must reflect this year's theme: Moments That Shape Us RELEASE* I consent.I do hereby give my permission for this child to participate in the 22nd Annual Laredo Poetry Festival and to publish this child’s poem if selected. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo, and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers, from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them on behalf of this minor child in this program.
By registering your child, you give the Festival sponsors permission to reproduce and publicize video of your child’s reading their poems as long as it is not a confidential matter. If your child doesn’t want to do the video reading their poem they can give permission to one library’s volunteer to do the video. Confirmation* The work I am submitting is my own original creation, not copied from others, produced by anyone else, or generated by artificial intelligence.Poem with Name*Accepted file types: docx, doc, Max. file size: 800 MB. Please upload a copy of your poem with your name. Poem without Name*Accepted file types: docx, doc, Max. file size: 800 MB. Please upload a copy of your poem WITHOUT your name in the document.CAPTCHA
To submit your poem in-person, please find the required documents attached below:
