Explore 25 years of creativity.

As of 2024, Our Own Expressions has ended.

For 27 years, Pierce County Library System, along with our community partners, sponsored Our Own Expressions: Teen Writing and Art Contest. Affectionately referred to as OOX, the contest was originally created by one of our librarians with the goal of inspiring students to share their creative efforts with the county, gain recognition in the annual print compilation available at library locations, as well as a chance to win prizes with their work.

In recent years the library has invested significant resources into growing our teen engagement and offerings with teen-focused staff, social media presence and programming. During this time, teens have requested new programs for self-expression and how to share their creative work professionally and with their communities.

With this growth and change, we have found that the competition format of Our Own Expressions was no longer what most teens are looking for from their library system, and we ending it as an offering.

We are proud of the legacy Our Own Expressions created, and appreciate the support and enthusiasm the library received from teen participants, our school partners and the community.

Please enjoy our archive of Our Own Expressions publications:

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997