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2026 RPL Foundation Writing contest:
Reading is revolutionary

Writers of all ages!

Write a piece of literature (poetry, memoir, fiction, nonfiction) that fits into our summer reading theme, Reading Is Revolutionary. There will be a panel of judges for each age group and prizes will be given out on August 5.

Submit your entry between June 22 and July 22.

Contest overview

  1. Kids over the age of 6, teens, and adults can submit a piece of writing (5 pages or less) to our Writing Contest.
  2. There will be 3 winners per age bracket. 
  3. Judges from the Reading Community including RPL Librarians and Foundation members will judge the submissions based on the criteria.
  4. The criteria for judging is as follows:

    Creativity
    Originality and artistic expression

    Relevance to theme
    How well the writing reflects the theme “Reading is Revolutionary”

    Eloquence
    How well the piece is written via descriptive words, imagery, and vocabulary

    Voice
    Ability to be immersed in the piece based on tone
  5. Winners will be notified by email before the August 5 event.
  6. Prizes will be given out at the RPL Foundation Writing Contest Reception on August 5 at 7 PM.

Judging Criteria

  1. The RPL Foundation Writing Contest is open to all Reading MA residents ages 6 and above. Entries from patrons of other towns will not be eligible.
  2. The submitted entry must be the creative and original work of a single individual. Limit one entry per individual.
  3. Entries may not contain copyrighted material, offensive language, inappropriate images, or AI-generated components. 
  4. Entries must be submitted via .word or .pdf documents via the appropriate form or submitted in-person. Handwritten entires are welcome. If submitted in-person, submissions must be accompanied by an application form available at one of the library desks. Incomplete entries will not be accepted into judging.
  5. Designs should reflect the theme “Reading is Revolutionary”.
  6. Entries can be dropped off at the Reading Public Library or via the online entry forms above.
  7. Entires must not be more than 5 pages double spaced or handwritten.
  8. The deadline to submit is 7/22/26 at 9 PM.