The City of Santa Clarita Public Library invites young artists and poets to participate in the On the Wings of Books! art and poetry contests in celebration of the opening of the new Old Town Newhall Library branch on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 10:30 a.m.  The theme On the Wings of Books! underscores the fact that books take readers to new heights, allowing them to experience a world of adventures.

The art contest is open to students enrolled in kindergarten to third grade.  Students are asked to submit an original picture (using markers, watercolors, paints or crayons) no larger than 8”x 4” that demonstrates how the young reader has soared and taken flight with books.

The poetry contest is open to students from fourth to 12th grade.  Students are asked to submit an original poem inspired by the theme, not to exceed 25 lines.  Each poetry entry must be typed and an email and hard copy must be submitted by the deadline.

“Books have the ability to take us to new places and our art and poetry contests are a great way for students to show us the places they’ve been with their favorite books,” said Mayor Frank Ferry.  “We know our community is full of readers and these contests are a great way to get students excited about the books they’ve read, while showcasing their artistic abilities.”

All art and poetry contest entries must be submitted with a completed entry form, which is available at City Hall, the Valencia library branch, the Canyon County library branch or online at santaclaritalibrary.com.

Original art and poetry submissions may be dropped off at City Hall, located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, the Valencia library branch or the Canyon Country library branch and must be received by Monday, September 10, 2012 to qualify.

For the art contest, one $25 gift card will be awarded in Category I, which includes kindergarten and first grade, while another $25 gift card will be awarded in Category II, which includes second and third grade.  For the poetry contest, one $50 cash award will be given to the top selection in the following categories: Category I, fourth through sixth grade; Category II, seventh through ninth grade; and Category III, 10th through 12th grade.  In addition, the winning artists and poets in each category will receive recognition from the City Council and their art and poetry will be displayed at the Old Town Newhall Library’s Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

The On the Wings of Books! art and poetry contests are one of several ways the Santa Clarita Public Library team is gearing up for the grand opening of the new Old Town Newhall Library on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.  The new, state-of-the-art, 30,000 square foot branch includes a children’s library, teen room, more than 100 public use computers, a fireplace reading room, community meeting areas, outdoor courtyard and much more.  The Old Town Newhall Library is located at 24500 Main Street in Old Town Newhall.

For more information about the On the Wings of Books! contests, please contact Kelly Behle at (661) 259-8333 or by email at kbehle@santaclaritalibrary.com.