Summer Writing Contest for Kids

This Year's Writing Challenge

The Statue of Liberty has stood in New York Harbor since 1886. One magical day, she comes to life and sets out to explore her beloved city. We want you to tell us about Lady Liberty’s summer adventure in New York City. Where does she go? Who does she meet? What does she eat? We can’t wait to read all about it!
 

Who Can Enter?

Anyone ages 6–12 who lives or goes to school in New York City is eligible to enter.
 

What Could I Win?

All contestants will be invited to our Summer Writing Contest Ice Cream Party! Dairy-free options will be available.

First prizes for this year’s Summer Writing Contest will be awarded to one winner from the Bronx, one from Manhattan, and one from Staten Island. Winning entries will be published in the 2024 edition of Portal, the Library’s magazine for kids, and their authors will also receive a special writer’s tool kit!
 

How Do I Enter?

Write out your idea and send it to us along with your first and last name, age, phone number and/or email address, and nearest New York Public Library branch library. You must include this information for your entry to be considered. Make sure to get a parent or guardian’s permission before entering!

There are two ways to submit your entries:

1. Send us your entry by email no later than 11:59 PM on Friday, August 4, to: schoolageservices@nypl.org, or
    
2. Mail us your entry, postmarked no later than August 4, to:
   The New York Public Library
   ATTN: Writing Contest/CHPRG
   11 West 40th Street
   New York, NY 10018
    

Terms and Conditions

No purchase or payment of money is necessary to enter or win. Limit of one entry per person. There will be three prizes awarded. No returns or substitutions. Winners will be notified by phone and/or email on or before September 17 and may be asked to sign and return a short affidavit to confirm eligibility and agreement to abide by these official rules. The odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Available to all New York City residents. Sponsor, and its affiliates and their employees and families, are not eligible to enter. NYPL interns and volunteers are eligible to enter. Applicable taxes are the sole responsibility of the winners. Sponsor reserves the right at any time to cancel or modify this sweepstakes in whole or in part in the event of technical or other difficulties. By participating in this drawing, entrant agrees to be bound by these official rules. Prize will be awarded to alternate winner if prize notification cannot be made or is otherwise undeliverable.