Central Coast Library Service is calling on aspiring writers and rhymesters to enter the first Poetry Writing Competition for Council, which opens for entries today.

The competition, which replaces the Short Story Competition, provides an incredible platform for budding poets to be discovered and have their efforts publicly recognised.

Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Beth Burgess said this was one of the many ways the Library Service helped to strengthen the sense of belonging in the community.

“This competition provides a fantastic opportunity to create connections, participate in community life and let your talent light shine,” Mrs Burgess said.

“We will be hosting a number of poetry workshops during October to assist hopeful entrants develop their language, characterisation, structure and dialogue skills, in order to build confidence and improve their writing.

“We love that we can help boost the profile of creative writing across the Coast while simultaneously helping to improve reading and writing skills in our community.

“You never know how good you are until you try, so I encourage all aspiring poets out there to tell their story in verse and give it a red hot go!”

The divisions this year are junior (9-12 years), youth (13-16 years) and open (17+ years), with the winners of each division receiving a $200 gift card and writing gift pack to encourage a continued love of writing and further develop their skills.

Winning entries will also be displayed in the Central Coast community on World Poetry Day 21 March, 2019.

With 2018 being the Year of Lifelong Learning, Mrs Burgess added the competition helps individuals take an active approach to learning.

“Learning is lifelong and lifewide – it is flexible, can be formal or informal, goes well beyond formal education and doesn’t stop no matter your age,” Mrs Burgess said.

“We are committed to creating dynamic learning environments that inspire lifelong learning and support an improved quality of life to help our customers connect, discover and create.

“This is exactly what our Poetry Writing Competition delivers, while building upon our existing active and flexible programs that help support our community’s education, learning and recreational needs.

“With more opportunities than ever, I would urge everyone to become a member of our Library Service and take advantage of the amazing resources and services available.

“It’s free and lasts a lifetime!”

The Poetry Writing Competition 2018 is open to current library members and residents of the Central Coast. Entries are open until 5pm, Wednesday 31 October, 2018 and can be submitted in branch or online.

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for information and to become a member.