When the Lights Go Out, Kids Bring the Clayton Library to Life
When the lights go out and the library doors are locked, what happens inside? Do the shelves whisper? Do the books wake up? Could a ghost be waiting in the dark?
Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is inviting young writers in grades 3 through 8 to answer those questions in its Spooky Story Contest, happening now through Friday, October 18. The theme for this year is “The Library After Dark.” It challenges students to think about the hidden mysteries of a familiar place, encouraging them to combine creative writing with a love of reading in a fun and memorable way.
“What if the characters inside a story climbed right out of the pages? What if a kind ghost helped you find the perfect book, or a not-so-kind ghost played tricks on everyone? Maybe the library holds a hidden door to another world or a secret that only shows itself at midnight. The best part about writing is that you get to decide. I cannot wait to see the creative twists our young writers bring to life,” said Youth Services Supervisor Grace Davis.
Entry forms and contest details are available online at shorturl.at/G3qom. Families who prefer a paper form can visit the library’s temporary location (446 East Second Street) during regular business hours to pick one up, chat with staff about story ideas, and explore the shelves for inspiration. The contest is free and open to all eligible students. Completed entries may be submitted digitally or on paper.
“At this age, writing and reading help children find their voices and build confidence. It gives them the chance to explore big ideas and share their stories with others. We hope this contest inspires them to keep creating long after October ends,” said Davis.
Winning entries will be published together in a book that becomes part of the library’s collection. Young authors will have the rare chance to see their names in print and share their stories with the entire community.
