The 2018 Clallam County PoetrySLAM for young poets and thespians in the sixth grade is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

The Library’s annual PoetrySLAM encourages young adults to express themselves through poetry. Students will compete by reading an original work or reciting a published poem.

Students may submit original works of poetry (written by the student) to be read or recited for the judging panel. Original poetry will be judged on content. Students may also choose to recite a previously published poem from memory. Recited poems must be under 30 lines in length.

The recital will be judged for quality of dramatic performance. All poets must be able to read or recite their poetry at the PoetrySLAM on Thursday, April 26.

Students may enter by participating in a classroom elimination round held at their school. For homeschooled students, or those whose classroom is not conducting elimination rounds, entry can be arranged by contacting NOLS Youth Services Library Jennifer Knight at jknight@nols.org.

All students interested in participating must fill out an official entry form, and attach a copy of the poem they wish to read or recite. Entry forms are found at www.nols.org/poetryslam or may be picked up at any NOLS library.

Entry forms must be received by the library or a teacher no later than 5 p.m. on March 30. Prizes include a Samsung Galaxy tablet and gift certificates to local bookstores.

The Battle of the Books program is supported by the Friends of Sequim Library, Port Angeles Friends of the Library and Friends of the Forks Library.

For information about this and other programs for youth, visit the library website at www.nols.org, call the Youth Services Department of the Port Angeles Library at 360-417-8500 x7705, or email to Youth@nols.org.