The Washington County Free Library is once again pleased to announce its annual Writers & Poets Contest that begins on January 15.  The contest includes five age divisions: 

• Children in Grades 2-3; 
• Grades 4-5; 
• Grades 6-8; 
• Grades 9-12; 
• and Adult. 

Entries will be accepted between January 15 and March 15, 2024.

Entrants must be residents of Washington County, MD or have a valid Washington County Free Library Card. Writers may enter up to two poems & one short story. Short stories must be no longer than 1200 words (4 pages double spaced).  All entries must be original work and may be on any topic. 

All entries must include the author’s name, age or grade division, address, phone number, and email. Children’s entries should have the child’s current grade level included.

No email submissions will be accepted. Remember to keep a copy of your work. Originals will not be returned. 

There will be first, second, and third place winners for each division. Winners will be announced in April. Honorees will be feted at a reception in early May. Watch our website washcolibrary.org for date and time. 

Entries may be submitted at any library branch throughout the county, or they may be mailed to: 

• Poetry & Short Story Writing Contest
• Attn: Children’s Department
• Washington County Free Library 
• 100 South Potomac Street
• Hagerstown, MD 21740 

Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2024. 

Call the Children’s Department at 301-739-3250 for further information.