Elgin library contest goes international

StoryTubes, a 21st Century-style book report contest originated in Elgin, has gone international.

Seven libraries, including one in Canada and another in Alaska, have joined the Gail Borden Library in promoting this year's contest.

Started at Gail Borden two years ago, the contest involves students reading a book, recording a video of speaking about it then posting the video online at storytubes.info, where viewers can vote on their favorites.

Angela Reynolds, head of youth services at the Annapolis Valley Regional Library in Nova Scotia, viewed a video last year of a girl who read a book about raising chickens.

"It was just absolutely delightful," Reynolds said. "I was just really enchanted by that. I thought 'What a cool contest.'"

Reynolds e-mailed Gail Borden officials in Elgin, who gave the thumbs up for Canadian participation.

"We decided it would be a fun project to try, especially in the winter months when people are stuck inside because of the snow," said Reynolds, whose 11-branch library district landed a grant to hire high school-aged students to help younger kids record and post videos.

Students kindergarten through ninth grade in the United States and Nova Scotia may enter the contest. It is open to individual entries or groups of up to five people. Entries are due between Jan. 8 and Feb. 15.

Voting over the Internet takes place in March. Prizes have yet to be determined, but last year's winners received $500 in books. The winner's home library or sponsoring organization received $1,000 worth of books.

The first StoryTubes contest was held in last spring with five libraries participating.

In 2007, the Gail Borden Library held its own internal contest using the same format. Officials there decided to expand the program after some videos continued to receive thousands of views well after voting was done.

Denise Raleigh, Gail Borden director of marketing, said officials are a still a bit surprised how the contest has expanded.

"It's the genre. It's kids using current technology," Raleigh said. "Kids still love reading. You can tell by the content of the videos that the kids really love these books."

StoryTubes

Officials at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin have set up three dates on which students can come to the library at 270 N. Grove Ave., to record and post a video for the 2009 StoryTubes contest. No registration is needed.

The dates and times are:

• 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jan. 17

• 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 31

• 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4

For more information, call (847) 742-2411 or visit storytubes.info.