It’s time for the 31st annual Friends of the Library Creative Writing Contest!
Click here for a PDF copy of the rules.
Click here for an official entry form.
Contents for Creative Writing Starts Now
Categories
Short Story (fiction)
Poetry
Limited to two entries in each category per person; please no graphic novels.
Age Groups
Grades 3, 4, and 5
Grades 6, 7, and 8
High School
Adult
Short Story Length
Grades 3 through 8: Up to 4 pages
High School and Adult: Up to 5 pages
Poetry Length
Maximum of 50 lines for all age groups
Formatting
Only original materials may be entered.
All entries must be single-sided and double-spaced, with one-inch margins, and in 12 pt. Times New Roman or Arial font.
Each entry must have a completed Entry Form as a cover page.
DO NOT write your name on the pages of your entry.
DO NOT staple the pages of your entry together – a paper clip, envelope, or folder is admissible.
Entries that do not follow formatting guidelines or are submitted after the deadline will be removed from consideration.
All materials may be used by the library for educational/informational purposes.
Works may only be submitted for consideration one time. Duplicate entries from previous years will not be entered into the contest.
Prizes
Will be awarded (with a certificate) to winners in all categories (a total of 24 prizes) as follows:
$50 First Place
$30 Second Place
$20 Third Place
Deadline
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Mail or Deliver To
Friends of the Warren-Newport Public Library
Attn: Creative Writing Contest
224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee, IL 60031
Email: creativewriting@wnpl.info
Sorry, no international entries–U.S. only
Judges
Comprised of WNPL employees and community volunteers who are approved by the Friends of the Library
Winners (Only)
Will be notified the week of March 25, 2024.
Winning entries may be on display on the library’s website or social media.
Awards Ceremony
Sunday, April 14, 2024