Enter WordPlay and the Library’s Native American History & Culture Essay Contest

Written by Rachelle Shells, Branch Manager, College Hill Branch Library

Calling all young writers! The deadline for the Library’s and WordPlay Cincy’s Native American History & Culture Essay Contest, opens a new window has been extended to November 30, 2022! 

Students grades 7–12 can submit their essay about the rights and experiences of Indigenous peoples for a chance to win gift cards awarded to three winning writers after the contest deadline on November 30, 2022.

This contest is one of the activities leading up to a April 2023 visit from award-winning There, There author Tommy Orange. Orange’s visit is made possible by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant.

Find the contest’s rules and guidelines – and submit your essay – on our website, opens a new window.

Writing Workshops with Wordplay Cincy

To support the Native American History & Culture Essay Contest, Wordplay Cincy is hosting a virtual writing workshop on Wednesday, November 16 from 4:30-6 p.m. A Wordplay Cincy Teaching Artist will help participants with the writing prompts provided about Indigenous peoples, cultures, and experiences.

Watch from home or view live at the College Hill or Avondale Branch Libraries on November 16. Books and other resources to support the writing prompts are available at your neighborhood branch.

Register online to receive a Zoom invitation.

Prizes

Three essays will be selected as winners of the essay contest and earn grand prizes:

  • First place: $150 Visa gift card
  • Second place: $75 Visa gift card
  • Third place: $50 Visa gift card.

Thanks to our funder! The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in Partnership with Arts Midwest.