These young students were winners in the 2018 writing contest.
Actors Bill Jones and Christine Kludjian read the stories.
The Friends of the Palisades Library organization has launched its annual summer creative writing contest, which for the first time in the contest’s history is now available to students who attend school (private or public) in Los Angeles.
Youth and teens from first grade through high school are invited to submit an original short story, essay, non-fiction article, dramatic scene, monologue or poem with the theme “Surprise Us.” The deadline for entries is September 8.
Contest organizers say the theme can be interpreted in different ways, for example, “A story that surprises the reader in some way or a story that has a surprise in it.”
Entries must not exceed three pages (double spaced only, typed in 12-point font) and may not have been submitted at school or in another contest. Contestants are limited to one entry.
All entries must be received and recorded at the Palisades Branch Library by September 8. Winners will receive gift certificates to Diesel Books (which can be redeemed online). First place is $250, second place is $100 and third place is $50.
Entries will be judged by members of the Friends of the Library board and can be emailed to friends@friendsofthelibrary.org. The story and the entry form must be submitted as two separate PDF documents.
An award ceremony will be held in the fall either in person at the Palisades library or on Zoom. At the ceremony, the winning entries will be performed by actors.
For more information, visit friendsofpalilibrary.org.
The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization that supports the Palisades library through its regular book sales and its used bookstore located on the small patio at the back of the library.