An April 22 deadline is looming for multiple poetry contests, being put on through the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon.

Elementary students, grades kindergarten through five, can write in any style of poem with the theme: Imagination & Wonders. Suggested topics: If I Were a Superhero; A World Made of Candy; A Letter to an Animal, or create your own. Impress the judges and unlock a secret surprise.

Sixth through eighth graders are invited to enter a contest with the theme: Exploring the World Around Us with suggested topics including A Poem About a Place I Love; The Secret Life of an Everyday Object; Growing Up is Like … (use a metaphor); or create your own topic. The one judged to be the best poem wins a surprise basket.

For high school students, grades nine through 12, a $50 cash prize will be awarded by the judges; theme is: Identity, Change & Reflection. Possible topics for the high school poets are: Who Am I When No One is Watching?; The Storm Inside Me; The One Thing I’ll Never Forget; A Letter to My Younger (or Future) Self; A Love Letter to My Hometown (or Why I Want to Leave); or create your own.

An adults only contest, for those 18 and older, is open as well. Theme is Time, Memory, and the Human Experience and invites reflection on growth, nostalgia, and everyday meaning.

More information about all these contests – each with the submission deadline of Tuesday, April 22, is available at the library.

Also, a special Poetry in Bloom program is scheduled at the local branch, set for Tuesday, April 29 at 4 p.m.

Celebrate Poetry and Community at this ‘bloom’ event, which will give attendees the chance to meet Escalon’s first Poet Laureate, Jonathon Cabello, and Modesto’s Poet Laureate, Angela Drew. Listen to original poetry and enjoy a special reading of ‘Elderberry Wine,’ Drew’s picture book.

All are encouraged to stay after the readings for a hands-on art activity and to create their own ‘Blooming Poetry Collage’ to take home or add to the community display at the library.

The April 29 program is free and open to all ages.

For more information, contact Librarian Kari Leos at 209-838-2494 or email her at kari.leos@stocktonca.gov