Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Name: Storytime
Start: 2026-01-13T10:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-01-13T10:30:00-06:00
Location: Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library

December 2025
Featured December 1, 2025 - February 6, 2026 Registration 23rd Annual Poetry Festival

Registration 23rd Annual Poetry Festival

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library
Theme: Moments That Shape Us

Rules of Participation:
• A poem in its entirety must be an original work by the person entering the contest; plagiarized poems will be disqualified.
• Poems may be written in any standard format.
• Text should be typed, font size 12.
• Poems should be no longer than 2 pages, double-spaced.
• Submit 2 copies of your poem, one with no name on it.
• Only one entry per person will be accepted; no co-authors.
• Poems will be accepted via the website and in person.
• The application form must be filled out.
• Parents or legal guardians will fill out the Release Form for students under 18.

Language Options:
• English
• Spanish
• Mixed English and Spanish

Participants:
• Students from 1st -12th grade LISD, UISD, private schools, and homeschooling
• Adults 18 and over

Method:
• All contestants will be divided by age and grade level.
• The deadline for submitting poems is February 6, 2026, by 6:00 p.m. at the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library.
• In-person or online submissions accepted.
• Submit your poetry online at: https://www.laredolibrary.org/23rd-annual-laredo-poetry-festival/
• 3–7 judges in each group will review all poems received and select the top 3 winners and 1–3 honorable mentions.
• The top 3 winners in each group will read their poems and receive prizes and gift bags.
• Honorable Mentions will receive gift bags and the option to read their poems.
• All participants will receive certificates of participation.

Results:
• Winners’ poems will be published.
• The Poetry Festival will continue yearly as a local educational activity.

Sponsors:
Laredo College
Laredo Independent School District
Texas A & M International University
United Independent School District
Laredo Public Libraries

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING POEMS IS FEBURARY 6^th

Laredo Poetry Festival Registration and Submission 2026

23rd Annual Poetry Festival

Facebook
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
First Last
Grade Level*
Home Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Applicant's Email*

Applicant's Phone Number (if 18 or older)*
Parent or Guardian Name (if under 18)*
First Last
Parent or Guardian Phone*
School Name*
Teacher's Name*
First Last
School Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

School Phone
Teacher's Email

Title of Poem*
Original poetry submissions must reflect this year's theme: "Moments That Shape Us"
RELEASE*
I consent.
I do hereby give my permission for this child to participate in the 22nd Annual Laredo Poetry Festival and to publish this child’s poem if selected. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo, and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers, from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them on behalf of this minor child in this program.

By registering your child, you give the Festival sponsors permission to reproduce and publicize video of your child’s reading their poems as long as it is not a confidential matter. If your child doesn’t want to do the video reading their poem they can give permission to one library’s volunteer to do the video.
Confirmation*
The work I am submitting is my own original creation, not copied from others, produced by anyone else, or generated by artificial intelligence.
Poem with Name*
Accepted file types: docx, doc, Max. file size: 800 MB.

Please upload a copy of your poem with your name.
Poem without Name*
Accepted file types: docx, doc, Max. file size: 800 MB.

Please upload a copy of your poem WITHOUT your name in the document.
CAPTCHA

To submit your poem in-person, please find the required documents attached below:

Applicant Entry Form English

Poetry Release Form English
Free
December 29, 2025 - January 12, 2026

Storytime Registration Begins!

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Free
December 29, 2025 - January 14, 2026

Block Party Registration Begins!

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Free
December 29 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Holiday Fun

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Free
December 29 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Teens’ Freeze Ease

Teens’ Freeze Ease

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library
Defrost your gaming and artistic skills with Teens’ Freeze Ease this winter break!

For teens in 5th-12th grades. Takes place select weekdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Mondays, 12/22 & 12/29: Chills & Crafts

Tuesdays, 12/23 & 12/30: Gusts & Games

Fridays, 12/26 & 01/02: Snow & Shows

Teens' Freeze Ease

Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
First Last
Nickname
Age(Required)
Please enter a number from 10 to 19.
Grade Level
Contact Phone Number
Contact Email

Parent/Guardian's Name
First Last
Parent/Guardian's Phone #
Parent/Guardian's Email

Would you like to be contacted about future Teen Zone Events?
Yes
If yes, please provide a contact email above. If not, please leave blank.
CAPTCHA
Consent(Required)
I agree.
By enrolling your child, you give the City of Laredo permission to reproduce and publicize pictures or news articles pertaining to the Library as long as it is not a confidential matter.

Release
I hereby give my permission for this child to attend the selected Library program. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them by reason of actions taken by them on behalf of this minor child in this program.
Free
December 30 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Holiday Fun

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Free
December 30 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Teens’ Freeze Ease

Teens’ Freeze Ease

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library
Defrost your gaming and artistic skills with Teens’ Freeze Ease this winter break!

For teens in 5th-12th grades. Takes place select weekdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Mondays, 12/22 & 12/29: Chills & Crafts

Tuesdays, 12/23 & 12/30: Gusts & Games

Fridays, 12/26 & 01/02: Snow & Shows

Teens' Freeze Ease

Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
First Last
Nickname
Age(Required)
Please enter a number from 10 to 19.
Grade Level
Contact Phone Number
Contact Email

Parent/Guardian's Name
First Last
Parent/Guardian's Phone #
Parent/Guardian's Email

Would you like to be contacted about future Teen Zone Events?
Yes
If yes, please provide a contact email above. If not, please leave blank.
CAPTCHA
Consent(Required)
I agree.
By enrolling your child, you give the City of Laredo permission to reproduce and publicize pictures or news articles pertaining to the Library as long as it is not a confidential matter.

Release
I hereby give my permission for this child to attend the selected Library program. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them by reason of actions taken by them on behalf of this minor child in this program.
Free
December 31

All Libraries Closed in Observance of New Year’s Eve

Barbara Fasken Branch Library

All Libraries Closed in Observance of New Year’s Eve
January 2026
January 1, 2026

All Libraries Closed in Observance of New Year’s Day

Barbara Fasken Branch Library

All Libraries Closed in Observance of New Year’s Day
January 2, 2026 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Holiday Fun

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Free
January 2, 2026 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Teens’ Freeze Ease

Teens’ Freeze Ease

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library
Defrost your gaming and artistic skills with Teens’ Freeze Ease this winter break!

For teens in 5th-12th grades. Takes place select weekdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Mondays, 12/22 & 12/29: Chills & Crafts

Tuesdays, 12/23 & 12/30: Gusts & Games

Fridays, 12/26 & 01/02: Snow & Shows

Teens' Freeze Ease

Facebook
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
First Last
Nickname
Age(Required)
Please enter a number from 10 to 19.
Grade Level
Contact Phone Number
Contact Email

Parent/Guardian's Name
First Last
Parent/Guardian's Phone #
Parent/Guardian's Email

Would you like to be contacted about future Teen Zone Events?
Yes
If yes, please provide a contact email above. If not, please leave blank.
CAPTCHA
Consent(Required)
I agree.
By enrolling your child, you give the City of Laredo permission to reproduce and publicize pictures or news articles pertaining to the Library as long as it is not a confidential matter.

Release
I hereby give my permission for this child to attend the selected Library program. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them by reason of actions taken by them on behalf of this minor child in this program.
Free
January 3, 2026 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Game Day

Game Day

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

All teens in 5th-12th grades are invited to join us for Game Day in the Teen Zone! Select Saturdays. Sign up below:

Game Day - Teen Zone

Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
First Last
Preferred Name/Nickname
Age(Required)
Please enter a number from 10 to 19.
Grade
Contact Phone Number
Contact Email

Parent/Guardian Name
First Last
Parent/Guardian's Phone #
Consent(Required)
I agree.
By enrolling your child, you give the City of Laredo permission to reproduce and publicize pictures or news articles pertaining to the Library as long as it is not a confidential matter.

Release
I hereby give my permission for this child to attend the selected Library program. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them by reason of actions taken by them on behalf of this minor child in this program.
CAPTCHA

Free
January 5, 2026 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Teens’ Cookies, Chocolate, Cartoons, & Charms

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Stop by to enjoy the great indoors with friends this winter! Decorate cookies, drink hot chocolate, watch cartoons, and make your own keychain charms! Earn community service hours!

Cookies, Chocolate, Cartoons, & Charms

Facebook
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
First Last
Nickname
Age(Required)
Please enter a number from 10 to 19.
Grade
Phone #
Email

Parent/Guardian's Name
First Last
Parent/Guardian's Phone #
Parent/Guardian's Email

Consent(Required)
I agree.
For all programs, children under the age of fourteen (14) years must be accompanied by an adult. By enrolling your child, you give the City of Laredo permission to reproduce and publicize pictures or news articles pertaining to the Library as long as it is not a confidential matter.

Release
I hereby give my permission for this child to attend the selected Library program. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any claim arising against them by reason of actions taken by them on behalf of this minor child in this program.

Free
January 7, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Teen Advisory Board

Teen Advisory Board

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Ready to help out the library by attending meetings and organizing events with the library? Join us on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for our Teen Advisory Board meetings! Sign up below. Don’t forget to pick up your volunteer form from the Teen Zone reference desk!

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Registration

Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Volunteer Name(Required)
First Last
Nickname/Preferred Name
Volunteer Phone Number/Contact Number(Required)
We will be texting this number with meeting/event updates.
Volunteer/Contact Email(Required)

Grade(Required)
Age(Required)
Please enter a number from 10 to 19.
Date of Birth(Required)
Month
Day
Year
Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Parent/Legal Guardian Name(Required)
First Last
Parent/Legal Guardian Phone Number
Parent/Legal Guardian Email

Registration Confirmation(Required)
I understand.
Registration for each program is limited and on a first come, first served basis.
Release(Required)
I agree.
By enrolling your child, you give the City of Laredo permission to reproduce and publicize pictures or news articles pertaining to the Library as long as it is not a confidential matter.

Release
I hereby give my permission for this child to attend the selected Library program. I understand that all reasonable precautions will be taken to provide a safe program experience for this child, and that in consideration thereof for myself and for this minor child, and for the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of myself and this minor child, I hereby release the City of Laredo and the Laredo Public Library and their employees and volunteers from any liability or causes of indemnity and hold harmless the City of Laredo.
CAPTCHA

Free
January 13, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 10:30 am Storytime

Storytime

Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library 1120 E. Calton Rd, Laredo, TX, United States

Joe. A Guerra Laredo Public Library

Free

December 2025

Theme: Moments That Shape Us

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING POEMS IS FEBURARY 6th

Laredo Poetry Festival Registration and Submission 2026

Teens' Freeze Ease

Teens' Freeze Ease

January 2026

Teens' Freeze Ease

Game Day - Teen Zone

Cookies, Chocolate, Cartoons, & Charms

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Registration

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING POEMS IS FEBURARY 6^th