Power of the Pen 2026 Contest Entry Form

The 32nd Anniversary of the Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest opens on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The 32nd Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 (age as of December 31, 2026) to submit original poetry and short stories in English, French or both languages. Prizes are for 1st- and 2nd-place in seven age groups (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18) in poetry and short story categories. Digital submissions are encouraged.

Please review the Contest Rules., opens a new window

This year's competition opens May 4, 2026, and closes September 30, 2026.  Notification goes out to winners in January 2027.

Please review contest and formatting rules prior to submission. Winners will be notified in January 2025. All judged submissions will be available for pick-up during the awards ceremony or at your local branch if you are unable to attend the ceremony.

Completing this form gives the Hamilton Public Library your consent to:

  • Collect your personal information, which will only be used by the Hamilton Public Library to communicate with you about the Power of the Pen contest.
  • Use you/your child’s original written submission or photograph for publicity.*

*Publicity can include print materials such as posters, brochures, local and social media, in addition to website coverage.

NOTE: Please do not put your name anywhere on your work. Your name must be on your entry form only

Power of the Pen Submission

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Address*
(as of December 31st, 2025)
Max. file size: 30 MB.

Type of Submission*
How did you find out about the Power of the Pen?
Check all that apply
AI Statement*
I understand that my written submission is my own writing and is not copy/paste writing from any other source. I understand that any unethical behaviour will result in an automatic disqualification, without the possibility of resubmission this year.
Max. file size: 30 MB.

Personal information contained on this form is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990. MFIPPA\Regulations 29. The information collected will be used in the process of the library’s business. Questions regarding the collection and use of personal information can be directed to: Chief Librarian, Hamilton Public Library, P.O. Box 2700, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4.

This information will be submitted via email. .

Print this page