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

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

Contest categories include poetry, short story, informal essay, short script 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 include $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

All entrants will be invited to the awards presentation at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St. Featured speaker Ruta Sepetys, winner of the Tulsa Library Trust’s 2026 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 tulsalibrary.org/zarrowaward. 

Teens and tweens can practice their writing skills at these free events:

• “Creative Writing Club” on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 4-5 p.m. at Judy Z. Kishner Library, 10150 N. Cincinnati Ave. E., Sperry
• “Young Writers Collective” on Wednesdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25 from 4-4:45 p.m. at Collinsville Library, 1223 W. Main.
• “Creative Writing Workshop With Helen Dunlap Newton” on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Hardesty Regional Library.

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, sponsored by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries, is open to anyone 18 years or older who lives, works, attends school in Tulsa County or has a nonresident library card. Contest categories are children’s fiction, informal essay, poetry, short story and young adult fiction.

A $150 cash prize and a certificate are awarded to the best work in each category. Second-place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a certificate. Certificates and $25 are awarded to those receiving honorable mention. Entry fees are $10 for one entry, $18 for two entries, $24 for three entries, $30 for four entries and $35 for five entries. 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. Forms with rules and submission guidelines are available at all TCCL locations and online at tulsalibrary.org/adult-creative-writing-contest.

For details about either contest, visit tulsalibrary.org or call 918-549-7323.