The Josephine Community Library has opened entries for its 2026 Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, inviting children ages 5 through 10 across Southern Oregon to take part in a creative community program centered on storytelling and art. The annual contest is designed to encourage imagination, early literacy, and visual expression while giving young participants the opportunity to share their work publicly.
This year’s contest asks children to write a short original story and create an accompanying illustration inspired by the prompt, “One day, I planted a magical seed and….” The library notes that stories may be brief and are expected to reflect the age, experience, and individual abilities of each child. The emphasis is placed on creativity rather than length or complexity, allowing participants to explore the prompt in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
Completed entries must be submitted in person by Saturday, January 17, 2026. Submissions are accepted at any branch of the Josephine Community Library system, serving communities throughout the county. Contest prompts and official submission forms are available at all four library branches located in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek.
To ensure broad access for families, contest materials are also being distributed through ParentSquare for elementary students enrolled in Grants Pass School District 7 and Three Rivers School District. In addition, printed prompts are available at several participating downtown Grants Pass businesses, including Indy Jo, Bella Luna Boutique, House of Glory, The Lonely Pine, and Mystic Valley Farm Tea Shop, extending the reach of the program beyond library walls.
All submitted stories and illustrations will be featured during the 2026 Summer Reading Program. The works will be displayed as part of a community-wide art and writing showcase at each library branch, allowing families and visitors to view and celebrate the creative efforts of local children throughout the summer months. The display is intended to highlight the value of youth voices and reinforce the role of libraries as shared cultural spaces.
In addition to the summer displays, up to 15 selected entries will be published as part of the 2026 Community Storybook Walk. This outdoor reading experience places illustrated story pages along a designated walking route, encouraging families and neighbors to read together while moving from one display to the next. The Storybook Walk has become a popular feature of the library’s summer programming, blending literacy, art, and outdoor activity into a single community experience.
Library officials say the contest supports early reading and writing skills while helping children build confidence by seeing their creative work shared publicly. By combining storytelling and illustration, the program also introduces young participants to the connection between written and visual narratives.
Additional details about the Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, the Community Storybook Walk, and the 2026 Summer Reading Program are available through the Josephine Community Library’s website at josephinelibrary.org/summer-reading-program.