BNLSIS Launches 90th Anniversary Poetry Competition

The Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS) is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a nationwide poetry competition, inviting Belizeans to reflect on the role of libraries, reading, and knowledge in our lives.

This special competition is themed “From Shelves to Screens: BNLSIS @ 90 – Enriching Minds One Page at a Time”, encouraging poets to explore the evolution of libraries and their enduring impact in a changing world.

Who Can Enter

The competition is open to Belizeans residing in Belize and is divided into three categories:

• Youth: Ages 12 and under

• Teen: Ages 13–17

• Adult: Ages 18 and older

Each participant may submit one original poem.

Submission Requirements

• Poems must be original, non-AI-assisted, and unpublished.

• Submissions may be handwritten or typed, single-spaced, using a standard 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial.

• Poems must not exceed 40 lines, excluding the title.

Prizes

Winners in each category will receive:

• A featured reading for World Poetry Day in March

• Publication in the BNLSIS 90th anniversary commemorative library book

• Cash prizes:

  • BZD $50 (Youth)

  • BZD $100 (Teen)

  • BZD $200 (Adult)

How to Submit

Entries must be submitted by February 20, 2026. Poems can be sent by email to nls@btl.net or delivered in person to any BNLSIS library.

This competition is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Belize’s literary voices while honouring nine decades of library service. Writers of all ages are encouraged to take part and help mark this milestone through poetry.