From haiku to free verse and odes to sonnets, Dakota County Library invites poets of all ages to enter its annual poetry contest.

Contestants can submit an original poem to any of the Dakota County Library locations through the end of April. Submissions must be done online at www.dakotacounty.us/library. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in age groups ranging from 6-years-old to adults. Winning poems will be published on the Dakota County Library website, and will be recognized at other Dakota County Library poetry events.

Other poetry events include a workshop for teen poets and writers April 1 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan; a Children's poetry night open mic April 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville; Poets in the Park Teen Poetry Slam, a spoken-word competition May 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wescott Library; and an adult open mic where Katrina Vandenberg will discuss her work May 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wescott Library.

WEST ST. PAUL

Library to celebrate children, books

Dakota County Library will join libraries across the country for the annual celebration of El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros, known as The Day of the Child/The Day of the Book.

A free event featuring a book giveaway, family activities, dance troupe Los Alegres Bailladores, Rosie the Clown, a piñata and refreshments is scheduled for Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will take place at Wentworth Library, located at 199 E. Wentworth Av. in West St. Paul.

EAGAN

Artists sought for annual arts festival

The Eagan Art festival is seeking artists to apply for this year's juried show, which will be held June 29-30.

The application fee is $25, and booth space $115 for accepted artists. More than 7,500 people typically attend the festival. See www.eaganartfestival.org or director@eaganartfestival.org for application information.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Send Dakota County arts and leisure news to dylan.belden@startribune.com.