Have a budding author in your family or classroom? Know a young writer who would be overjoyed to create their own story and see a bound copy of it on the shelf at the library?

Centre County children in grades 1 through 6 are invited to enter our Write and Illustrate Your Own Book Contest! Only works of creative writing will be accepted. Imagination encouraged! 

Up to three winners will be chosen in each of our four categories, and their books will become a permanent part of the Children’s Department collection. Up to three honorable mention books will be chosen in each category as well. Winning and honorable mention authors will be given the opportunity to purchase professionally-bound copies of their books.

The submission window for Schlow Library Children's Department's 42nd Annual Write and Illustrate Your Own Book Contest is Monday, January 5, 2026 - Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Start brainstorming, writing, and illustrating now!

• Entries can be submitted in print at the Children's Desk or digitally to children@schlowlibrary.org in PDF format.
• All entries must include a completed Contest Entry Form, which can be completed online below or via a printed copy of the PDF version.
  • Contest Rules (Now updated for 2026!)
  • Contest Entry Form (Printable)
    • Online form below
  • Tips for Novel Writing

 

Need a little writing help or inspiration? Young Writers Workshops are held twice annually: the Fall 2025 workshops will take place on Saturday, October 25 at 1pm (Grades 1-3) and 3pm (Grades 4-6) and Winter 2026 workshops will be held in February.