Texas Center for the Book Announces 2016 Letters About Literature Contest

The Texas Center for the Book, a project of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, invites young readers to enter the 2016 Letters About Literature Contest. Held in conjunction with the Library of Congress, the literary competition encourages students in grades 4-12 to write to an author (living or deceased) about how his or her book affected their lives. Winners at the state level will win $100 and a trip to the 2016 Texas Library Association Annual Conference in San Antonio and national winners will be eligible to win $1000 and a trip to the National Book Festival in Washington D.C.
“The Letters About Literature contest makes a lasting literary connection between an author’s work and the lives of young readers” said Texas State Library and Archives Director and Librarian, Mark Smith. “The contest bridges a direct partnership between students, librarians, educators and parents and lays the foundation for a life-long love of reading.”
Last year more than 50,000 young readers from across the country participated in the Letters About Literature initiative funded by a grant from the Library of Congress’ James Madison Council with additional support from the Library’s Center for the Book. Since 1997, more than a million students have participated.
Established in 1987, the Texas Center for the Book seeks to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy and libraries. The Center builds partnerships with library professionals, educators, authors, publishers and booksellers who provide support to our shared mission of promoting a love of literature throughout the Lone Star State. One of 50 state centers affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Texas Center for the Book is under the direction of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission at the Lorenzo De Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin, Texas.
For more information on the Letters About Literature Contest, including printable entry forms, educator resources and more visit tsl.texas.gov/lettersaboutliterature.