Poetry contest may call for a tall order

The BladeBook-spine poetry challenges have been held before, but not by the Sylvania Branch Library. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON Enlarge | Buy This Photo

The Sylvania Branch Library is asking library users to get creative next week for the "Book Spine Poetry Challenge."

From July 23-July 28, they are encouraged to arrange stacks of library books to form a visual poem from the book titles on the spines and then send in their creations for everyone to see.

Ideas can range from haiku-like poems, to more extensive, taller-stacked ones. Possibilities are endless, the library says.

Sylvania Branch librarian Jeanne McHugh said this year is the first that the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library has sponsored the contest.

"We have targeted this particular program to our adult or teen patrons, but really anyone can participate," she said. "This is the first year we have done this, so I hope we'll get an enthusiastic response and lots of entries."

Several other libraries nationwide have conducted similar contests, both for National Poetry Month and as an activity to get creative brains moving.

Ms. McHugh said she hopes the project will foster creativity and imagination in the community. "I'd like to think it will inspire people to explore their creative talents," she said.

Entries can be emailed to sylvref@toledolibrary.org or dropped off at the Sylvania branch at 6749 Monroe St. Submissions will be featured on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at the library. More information is at toledolibrary.org.