Rhythm and Revolution” is Open Call for Poetry to Reflect on American Anniversary

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, as the Library of Congress-designated Minnesota Center for the Book, is conducting an open call for new/original (unpublished) poetry to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Poets 18+ are invited to create and submit their work as part of “Rhythm and Revolution” by Friday, October 31st, 2025.

For more information and to submit your work visit https://thefriends.org/minnesota-center-for-the-book/

The initiative is part of a joint effort between libraries, humanities, and historical organizations across the country, including the Minnesota Humanities Center, to commemorate the milestone. One of the partner organizations, the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), states that this upcoming anniversary is an opportunity for us as a people to engage with history and reflect upon the full sweep of our nation’s past “beginning millennia before 1776 and continuing to the present – to build a stronger future.”

“We hope that the poetry recognized through this project adds to meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding,” says Alayne Hopkins, Senior Director of Programs & Services at The Friends.

Using themes provided by AASLH, “Rhythm and Revolution” invites writers to share their ideas in poetic form of how we see ourselves in history, appreciate its relevance, and understand how the diverse people of the past and present contribute to the American story. 

A panel of judges will review the submitted poems and select one winner from each theme that best addresses that theme. Winners will be announced in spring 2026. The authors of the five selected poems will each receive a $2,500 award that includes a stipend for a public reading and discussion. The judging panel includes Gwen Westerman, Minnesota Poet Laureate, Jean Prokott, Rochester Poet Laureate, and Heid Erdrich, Minneapolis Poet Laureate emerita.

Winners will be announced in spring 2026. More information and submission forms can be found on The Friends’ website at www.thefriends.org/mncenter.

About The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library:  
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is the Library of Congress-designated Center for the Book in Minnesota. As our state’s Center for the Book, The Friends promotes reading, literacy, libraries, and books statewide. An independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1945, The Friends acts as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen and inspire their communities. The Friends invests in the Saint Paul Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and programming; as a result, our Library is a nationally-recognized leader in serving its community. The Friends also serves libraries across the country through its consulting services, Library Strategies. For more information, contact The Friends at 651-222-3242 or visit thefriends.org. 

Contact: 
Kim Horton, Senior Director of Communications 
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library 
651-366-6489 
kim@thefriends.org