Madison Reporter

Madison Public Library, in collaboration with Forward Madison FC and the Wisconsin Book Festival, is set to host the We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest once again this spring. The contest, supported by the Madison Public Library Foundation, aims to provide young, local writers with a platform to share their unique stories.

"We are honored to be partnering with the Madison Public Library to host the We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest and give young, local writers a platform to share their unique stories. We look forward to celebrating this year's writers and building a community legacy that goes beyond the soccer field," said Conor Caloia, Chief Operating Officer of Forward Madison FC.

The theme for the 2024 Youth Voices Writing Contest is “Celebrate Small Heroes,” chosen by this year’s youth ambassador, Diya Dhawal, a sophomore at Middleton High School and the 2023 Grand Prize Winner. Dhawal expressed her belief in the power of kindness and connection, stating, “Our kindness and connection is what makes us human, and I’m looking forward to seeing the small humanities and hidden heroes that make our world a better place.”

Youth aged 18 and under are encouraged to submit their stories, poems, songs, or any form of creative expression from April 1 to June 30, 2024. Submissions can be in English, Spanish, or Hmong. The contest offers various prizes, including cash rewards, publication opportunities, and recognition during special events.

During Madison Metropolitan School District’s Spring Break, the Madison Public Library is organizing activities to inspire creativity and storytelling among kids and families. Tammy Ocampo, the library's Youth Services Manager, emphasized the importance of providing a space for children to express themselves creatively. Ocampo stated, “The library is that kind of place, and we invite kids to come explore the many opportunities we have for them to relax, read, play and have fun together during Spring Break.”

Furthermore, the library is offering a range of programs during Spring Break, from storytimes and yoga classes for different age groups to LEGO challenges and storytelling through movement activities. As part of the Spring Break events, youth aged 18 and under can pick up free writer’s notebooks and engage with interactive story dice to spark their imagination.

With a tradition of promoting education, literacy, and community involvement for over 145 years, the Madison Public Library continues to enrich the City of Madison. To learn more about the We Read Youth Voices Writing Contest and other library programs, visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org or follow @madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook and Instagram.