Elmhurst library hosts 'Scary Writing Contest' for kids

The Friends of the Elmhurst Public Library is taking entries for its "Scary Writing Contest: Haunts and Howls." Kids in kindergarten to eighth grade can enter their scariest original story, poem, or headstone epitaph.

Submissions must be received by 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. Winners get a Barnes and Noble gift certificate, their work published in Kid's Ink magazine, and read their entry at a program on Sunday, Oct. 27. Pick up an entry form at the Kids' Library Help Desk or enter online at elmlib.org/scary.

All entries must be the original work of the student. Parents may transcribe a young child's entry.

Students are limited to one entry in each category.

• Short story: Entries must be 200 words (1 page) or less. No weapons may be used in the story.

• Poem: Entries must be 200 words (1 page) or less. Entries may or may not rhyme. No weapons may be used in the poem.

• Headstone Epitaph: Entries must be 10 words or less. Entries may or may not rhyme. No weapons may be used in the epitaph.

The entries will be judged on creativity and originality of entry. Illustrations are not included in judging criteria. Punctuation and grammar will not be judged.

Winners will be announced Oct. 21.