PIQUA — In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, the Piqua Public Library’s Youth Poetry Contest returns for a fourth year.

First-, second- and third-place awards will be conferred in four divisions: grades K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. First-place winners in each group win $50, second-place poets earn $25, and third-place finishers receive $10. A “Library Favorite” poem, which also receives a $50 award, will be chosen from among all divisions by the library staff.

Program Coordinator Robin Heintz reported that more than 200 entries were received last year.

“Two hundred and three poems were submitted by young people from Miami and Shelby counties. These poets represented 12 schools, as well as homeschoolers. We were deeply impressed with the quality of the entries and grateful for the dedication of the many educators that submitted the work of their students.”

Poems are sent to more than a dozen judges across the country. All scoring is “blind,” which means that when the judge receives a poem, he doesn’t see a name or school listed. Judges know only the grade levels of the poets. Among the volunteer judges are teachers, librarians, artists, professional educators, community leaders and graduate students.

Submission to the contest will be accepted through March 31. Winners will be announced, April 19, and the contest concludes with a Poetry Night Awards Reception and readings, April 25, at 6 p.m. There is no entry fee. More information and submission details are available at the library and at www1.youseemore.com/piqua.