April is National Poetry Month and the Hays Public Library is celebrating. The HPL will host the annual Poetry Contest on Friday, April 10, at 7 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery.

The Hays Public Library is seeking poets to share their original work. People of all ages are welcome to enter the contest. Each participant will need to provide three copies of the original work; one to read from and two for the judges. Prizes will be awarded to first and second places.

There will be an open mic session after the contest. During this time, everyone is welcome to share an original poem or a famous favorite.

“Not everyone writes poetry, but everyone has some form or style of poetry that speaks to them,”said Marleah Augustine. Augustine is the Adult Librarian and has helped organize the contest since 2011. “The contest is not only a chance to share your own work, but also a chance to simply experience the poetry of others and relish the talent that surrounds us everyday in the Hays community and beyond.”

Refreshments will be served at this after-hours event.

For more information, call (785) 625-9014 or visit www.hayspublib.org.