The international Library of Poetry has announced that $58,000 in prizes will be awarded this year in the International Open Poetry Contest. Poets from the Bangor area, particularly beginners, are welcome to try to win their share of over 250 prizes. The deadline for the contest is July 31. The contest is open to everyone and free.

To enter, send one original poem, any subject or style to: The International Library of Poetry, Suite 19914, 1 Poetry Plaza, Owings Mills, MD 21117. The poem should be 20 lines or less, and the poet’s name and address should appear on the top of the page. Entries should be postmarked or sent via the Internet by July 31.

Enter online at www.poetry.com.

The International Library of Poetry, founded in 1982, is the largest poetry organization in the world.

In other poetry news, a $1,000 grand prize is being offered in a new poetry contest sponsored by Celestial Arts, free to everyone. A total of $50,000 in prizes will be awarded in the coming year.

To enter, send one poem 21 lines or less to: Celestial Arts, P.O. Box 1140, Talent OR 97540. Or enter online at www.freecontest.com.

Be sure your name and address is on the page of your poem. The deadline for entering is June 8. A winner’s list will be sent to all entrants.