Palatine Library hosts teen and children's 'Spooky' Writing Contests

The Palatine Library is hosting two "spooky" photo-based writing contests: One for teens, and one for children.

Photographs taken this summer by the library's teen volunteers were posted on the library's website. These photos will be the inspiration for writers to craft an original spooky or peculiar short story. Participants are asked to submit their entry online at www.palatinelibrary.org. The winners from each contest will be notified by Saturday, Nov. 15.

The Harris Burdick Writing Challenge: A Spooktacular Writing Contest is for children in grades K-6. They are asked to submit up to 1,000 words about one of the photos. This contest is named for and inspired by "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick," a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. This book consists of 14 black-and-white illustrations with brief titles and captions that challenge readers to create their own stories and explanations for the images. In the spirit of Van Allsburg's book, the top child's entry will receive a copy of "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick."

Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Creative Writing Contest is for teens in grades seven-12. This contest is inspired from Ransom Riggs' book, "Hollow City (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children)," which features eerie mysterious photographs that complement the storyline. The winning entry will receive a copy of "Hollow City."

The idea for these contests grew from the library's popular and successful poetry and flash fiction contests.

"We wanted to give the writers in our community an opportunity to develop their skills by creating a story based on elements taken from our library and brought to life in a fresh and exciting way, " says librarian Tracie Padal.

The Snapshot Squad, a creative team of library teen volunteers, took the photographs for these contests. For more information and details about either of these contests, please visit www.palatinelibrary.org, or call (847) 358-5881, ext. 132.

The Palatine Public Library District is your destination for knowledge, entertainment, and community. The Library serves approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within the communities of Palatine and Hoffman Estates.

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