Aspiring and established writers can make their voices heard in library writing contests

Feb. 4, 2025

   One thing is missing from the bookshelves of the world: your perspective. Now is the time to be your own author, and two annual writing contests from Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) give current and aspiring writers the opportunity to share their stories.

   Young People’s Creative Writing Contest

   From Feb. 1-28, students ages 10-18 can participate in the Young People’s Creative Writing Contest (YPCWC) by submitting their writing online, by mail or to any TCCL branch. The contest is free to enter for those who live or attend school in Tulsa County, or have a nonresident library card. Categories include poetry, short story, informal essay, short play and comix. There are three age divisions in each category: 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18.   

   First-, second- and third-place winners are chosen for each age group in each category. Cash prizes are awarded in the following amounts: $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the contest, the winning Comix entries will go head-to-head in public vote this summer to have a segment of their entry become an exiting limited edition library card design.

   All YPCWC entrants will be invited to the awards presentation at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 2 at Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. Featured speaker Kwame Alexander, winner of the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2025 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature, will help present awards to the contest winners. Learn more about the award and public event at www.tulsalibrary.org/zarrowaward.  

   Entry forms with rules and regulations for the YPCWC are available at all TCCL locations or online at www.tulsalibrary.org/YPCWC.

   Adult Creative Writing Contest

   Local adult wordsmiths are invited to enter the annual Adult Creative Writing Contest (ACWC) from Feb. 1-March 31. This annual event is sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries. The contest is open to any person 18 years or older who lives, works, attends school in Tulsa County or has a nonresident Tulsa City-County Library card. 

   A $150 cash prize and a certificate are awarded to the best work within each category. Second-place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a certificate. Certificates and $25 are awarded to those receiving honorable mention. Individuals may enter all five categories, but may submit only one manuscript in each category. One payment should be submitted for all entries. Entry fees are $10 for one entry, $18 for two entries, $24 for three entries, $30 for four entries and $35 for five entries. Every ACWC entrant and their family will be invited to the awards ceremony and reception at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17, in Central Library’s Aaronson Auditorium, Fifth Street and Denver Avenue.

   Entries for the ACWC should be delivered to any TCCL branch or mailed flat to Friends of Tulsa City-County Libraries, 400 Civic Center, Tulsa, Okla., 74103. Entry forms, with a complete set of rules and submission guidelines, are available at all TCCL locations or online at www.tulsalibrary.org/adult-creative-writing-contest. 

   For more information about either contest, call 918-549-7323.

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