The Bettendorf Public Library is hosting a poetry contest with the theme of Love & Forgiveness in conjunction with a series of events on the same theme. There will be two levels: Youth (middle school through high school) and Adult (beyond high school). Prizes will be $25 apiece for four runners-up and $100 apiece for two first-place winners. Additionally, the two winning poems will be illustrated in one piece of art by local artist Katie Kiley. The final judge will be internationally known poet Li-Young Lee. All six winners will read their poems on-stage with Li-Young Lee in January 2009. To submit a poem, poets must live within a 50-mile radius of the Quad-Cities and must not have already won first-place in a previous Bettendorf Public Library poetry contest. Up to two poems may be submitted but only one prize per person will be awarded. Poem may be no longer than one page and contact information must be provided. Poems must be received at the Bettendorf Public Library or be postmarked by midnight on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Drop off or mail to: Bettendorf Public Library, Hedy Hustedde (Adult Level) or John Gillette (Youth Level), 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722 or email hhustedde@bettendorf.org or jgillette@bettendorf.org.