ROCKLAND — Participants are asked to send in an original one-page, typed (not required for Child 1 & 2 category), single-spaced poem on the theme: "Poetry Unplugged". This is an open theme where entrants can choose their favorite style, subject and tone of poetry, or stretch their wings and try something new!

Categories for the contest are as follows: Child 1: Pre-K to third grade; Child 2: fourth to seventh grade; Teen: eighth through 12th grades; and Adult: age 19 and beyond. Entrants need not be Rockland residents. For additional contest details and guidelines, go to rocklandlibrary.org or visit Rockland Public Library, 80 Union St.

All poems should arrive at the Rockland Public Library at 80 Union Street, Rockland, ME 04841 no later than the above deadlines. Prizes will be awarded in all three age categories. Adult and teen winners will be invited to read their poems at the Swarm of Poets, to be held at the library on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m., and a special Buzz From the Hive Kid's Swarm will be held on Saturday, April 23, where Child 1 and 2 winners can share their poems and enjoy food and prizes.

Entry into this contest is free. Deadlines for poem submissions: Adult category- April 8 and all student categories April 15.