Poetry Out Loud

A High School Poetry Competition with Spokane Arts

Students from area high schools recite poetry in hopes of advancing to the state final. Poetry Out Loud is a national program for students to combine memorization and recitation with performance.

Since 2006, Poetry Out Loud has been a national program in which high school students combine memorization and recitation with performance. Poetry Out Loud builds on the recent resurgence of poetry as an oral art form. By combining the spoken word, the dynamic nature of slam poetry, and elements of theater, the program brings a vital, participatory approach to poetry into the English class.

Poetry Out Loud competitions teach students to appreciate poetry of all types and encourage them to incorporate great poetry into their lives. Each student selects two poems to memorize from among over 600 selections available in the Poetry Out Loud online anthology. The poems have been carefully chosen to represent a diverse array of authors, eras, styles, and tones so that students can discover something that they connect with.

One student from each school will compete in the regional final. 1-2 competitors from the regional final will advance to the state final in March!

By attending library programs, you are agreeing to potentially appear in photos/videos taken at our locations that may be used in promotional materials including social media.

We strive to make events welcoming for people of all abilities. To request accommodations, call the library at 509-444-5308.

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