Library launches junior short story contest
By Rosie Krul, Harriston Branch Supervisor
Young writers will have a chance to put their storytelling skills to the test this October as Wellington County Library launches its annual Olive and Fred Robins Junior Short Story Contest.
The annual contest encourages young people to explore their creativity and share their stories with the community.
It is open to students in Grades 4 to 6 who live in or attend school in Wellington County.
Participants are invited to submit an original short story for the chance to win a cash prize of $150, and have their work published on the Wellington County Library website and in the Wellington Advertiser.
Students interested in entering can find contest deadlines, submission requirements and other details at wellington.ca/ShortStoryContest.
Looking for inspiration? You can find plenty at Wellington County Library!
Short stories can be a useful way for aspiring writers to see how an author develops a character, creates a setting, and builds a complete story in only a few pages.
Check out the options below for some short stories for kids or browse more options at wellington.ca/LibraryCatalogue.
– The Adventure and Other Stories by Jarvis;
– Ten Tremendous Tales by Liz Pichon;
– Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney;
– The Ribbajack and Other Curious Yarns by Brian Jacques; and
– Mouse Tales by Arnold Lobel
ARTHUR BRANCH
(519-848-3999)
Teen Café: Junk Journal (teens/tweens)
Join us this month to create your own junk journal. Please register.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4:30 to 5:30pm
Craft and Create: Clay Ghosts (adults /teens)
Use air dry clay to create small Halloween ghosts. All materials are provided. Please register.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 12:30 to 1:30pm
CLIFFORD BRANCH
(519-327-8328)
Creative Kids: Pumpkin Paint Night (school-age)
Haunt your way over to the Clifford Branch and paint a pumpkin to proudly display on your porch this Halloween! Supplies are limited. Please register.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5 to 6pm
Trick-or-Treat! At the Library (all ages)
This Halloween, stop by the Clifford Library for candy, trick or treat goodie bags, spooky story times, and a photobooth. Costumes are highly encouraged but not necessary. All ages welcome.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 10am to 3pm
DRAYTON BRANCH
(519-638-3788)
Culture Days: Community Puzzle Swap (all ages)
Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle! Please ensure puzzles are in good condition with all pieces included. Leftover puzzles can be picked up after Oct. 4 or will be donated.
Thursday, Oct. 1 to Saturday, Oct. 3, during branch hours
Let the Games Begin (all ages)
Join us for some exciting after-school games! We’ll have something for all ages and ability levels. Parent accompaniment is required for children ages seven and under.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3:45 to 4:45pm
HARRISTON BRANCH
(519-338-2396)
Cricut Creations: Halloween Paper Town (adults and teens)
Let’s create a haunted Halloween village using our Cricut cutting machine to decorate your house! Please register.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 to 2pm
PA Day: Pumpkin Painting (all ages)
Join us and the Harriston Horticultural Society to decorate your own pumpkin! Please register.
Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 to 11:30am
MOUNT FOREST BRANCH
(519-323-4541)
PA Day: Pumpkin Painting Party! (kids and tweens)
Come by and decorate a pumpkin any way you like! Make sure you wear something you don’t mind getting messy. Space is limited, please register.
Monday, Oct. 26, 2 to 3pm
Writing Group (adults)
Meet other writers, get prompts and ideas, and share your writing in a collaborative environment in this writing group for adults. All levels welcome. Bring your stories to life at the library! Registration is preferred, but drop-ins welcome.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6 to 7pm
PALMERSTON BRANCH
(519-343-2142)
Special Guest: Bubbleology (all ages)
Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week with a visit from Miss T the Bubble Queen! Join us to be transported into the whimsical and scientific world of bubbles. Please register.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11 to 11:45 am
PA Day: Spooky Slime (ages five to 13)
We will be making slime, so please come dressed in clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. Space is limited, please register.
Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 to 11:30am
