2026 Summer Reading Program – All Ages Essay Contest
May 22
“What Does America Mean to You?”
Calling all writing enthusiasts! The Pickerington Public Library is hosting an Essay Contest this summer! Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, we want to hear your thoughts, opinions, and experiences of living in the United States of America!
Writers of all ages are invited to reflect, tell their stories, and submit an original essay for a chance to win their age category and be a featured guest at the Open Mic Night and Awards Ceremony in August. Prize baskets will be awarded to each winner in the three age groups, and one overall grand prize winner will win a $200 gift card to the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts.
Age Categories:
Kids: 0-11
Teens: 12-17
Adults: 18+
Essay Requirements:
- Essays should respond to the theme “What Does America Mean to You?”
- Submissions must include at least one personal experience, observation, or example that helps explain the writer’s perspective.
- Essays must be typed.
- Teen & Adult essays should be 500–1,000 words in length.
- Kids’ essays do not have a word requirement.
- Essays must be original work created by the participants. Submissions that contain plagiarized material, are generated by artificial intelligence tools, or are written by someone other than the participant may be disqualified at the discretion of the library.
- Parents of younger children may type the exact words of their child, if the child is unable to type. We recommend using speech-to-text technology, if available.
- By submitting an essay, participants grant the library permission to display or publish their work (with first name and last initial) for promotional or educational purposes.
- Typed essays may be dropped off at Pickerington Main Library or Sycamore Plaza Library.
- In the event of a tie, the submission with the highest Reflection and Insight score will be selected as the winner
- May. 22: Contest Opens
- Jul. 10: Submission Deadline
- Aug. 12: Open Mic Night & Awards
