Library Urges Teens to “Write it Out!
Second annual short story contest kicks off at Rockford Public Library
Rockford Public Library is again urging teens in grades 6-8 (or ages 11-18) to put their pens to paper and write! The second annual “Write it Out” Short Story contest is being hosted by the Library, and original pieces are being accepted from March 6th – 5:00 p.m. on April 6, 2008.
Teens may submit one original short story no more than 2,000 words. Entries will be judged on originality, character development, style, theme, description, plot, dialog, setting and tone. A panel of judges will award winners in two categories: 6-8th grade and 9-12th grade. Gift certificates in the amount of $100, $75, and $50 will be rewarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place entries in each category respectively. A complete list of contest rules, contest information and the entry form may be found online at www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org/youngadults/calendar.
“The response last year to the contest was amazing,” said Heaether Venetucci-Johnson, Young Adult Librarian at Rockford Public Library. “We had close to 50 entries and the quality of these short stories—the maturity of the writers—was remarkable. It was exhilarating to read what these young authors had to share.”
The “Write it Out” Short Story contest is one of several programs the library is hosting to target the needs of its young adult audience. Others include gaming programs like Dance, Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, and the popular Wii Wednesdays; Yoga and Kickboxing for Teens; Photography; and Anime Movies and the growing AniManga Club. Rockford Public Library has applied for a grant from the Hamburger Helper “My Hometown Helper” program to fund the creation of a Young Adult Zone in the Main Library. Rockfordians are encouraged to post their messages of support on the site at www.myhometownhelper.com.
About the Library
The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library’s mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.
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