Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System invites teenagers throughout Pierce County to showcase their creative talents in the Pierce County Library System’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art Contest, now through Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

 

“For more than 25 years, the Library’s writing and art contest has provided teens with a valuable creative outlet,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Gretchen Caserotti. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and storytelling from the county’s budding artists and authors. The contest is an excellent opportunity for teens to express their thoughts and interests.”

 

Teen writers and artists in seventh through 12^th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, can participate in the free contest as an individual or as a team in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.

 

Students may get entry forms online or at their local Pierce County Library. Teenagers may submit entries online, drop off at their local library or send by mail to Our Own Expressions, Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

 

Judges will review writing entries based on originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. Judges will review art entries based on composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media. Published authors, professional artists and photographers select the final winning pieces.

 

The Library System will announce the winning writing and art in a special publication and distribute copies throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. The Pierce County Library Foundation will award prizes worth $100 to $150 to winners in three age groups: seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade in all four categories.

 

The Library System plans to showcase contest winners at an awards ceremony in spring 2023.

 

As part of the annual contest, the Library will offer several events to support the students in developing their art and writing from poster art and photography to writing sessions and a visit with an author. Visit expressions.pcls.us for more information about the free classes and events and Our Own Expressions contest.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 655,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from more than one million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – In partnership with Autism-Ready Libraries from the University of Washington, the Pierce County Library System is hosting two Autism-Ready story times. Children with sensory and learning differences have specific needs and unique challenges when it comes to early literacy, and the University of Washington and Pierce County Library are presenting these story times as pilot programs to see how the service may help children with autism gain early literacy skills.

 

Join the University of Washington and Pierce County Library for hands-on story times all about shapes and colors.

 

Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E., Oct. 22, 10-10:30 a.m.

South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Nov. 5, 10:30-11 a.m.

 

Advanced registration is required, and the Library System requests that caregivers register each child they are planning to bring.

 

Register for the Autism-Ready Story Time at the Graham Library: https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/event/7089304

 

Register for the Autism-Ready Story Time at the South Hill Library: https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/event/7089320

 

Gaining comfort and confidence with early literacy can be challenging for all children, and for preschoolers with sensory challenges the introduction to reading can be even more daunting. The Pierce County Library is piloting the program with the University of Washington to help support successful early literacy skills and self-assurance.

 

The preschool-level story times are open to children of all ages, with experiences designed for children with sensory and learning differences. Instructors will share stories, rhymes and hands-on activities in a welcoming environment for a positive story time experience. The University of Washington and the Library System will make accommodations to meet a variety of sensory needs.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

253-548-3428-office; 253-229-4477-mobile

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 634,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from more than one million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – As students begin a new school year, many students, parents, and caregivers are looking for tools and resources to start the school year strong. The Pierce County Library System’s Tools for Students (http://tools.pcls.us) provides in-library and online resources including live tutors and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) help—and all for free.

 

Tools for Students includes in-depth research tools, biographies, science experiments, math picture books and many other resources. Access to all of these resources is free with a Pierce County library card (https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/ecard.aspx?id=1502).

 

“Tools for Students is a great resource to set students up for success at all ages and grade levels,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Gretchen Caserotti. “When students are stuck on an assignment or need assistance with their FAFSA, live tutors can review and provide feedback or guidance.”

 

Tools for Students:

• CultureGrams: Learn about 190 cultures from around the world without leaving home. Includes information on history, geography and customs.
• Gale Biography in Context: Review brief biographies with links to articles in newspapers, magazines and websites.
• Gale in Context for Elementary, Middle and High School: Learn with a combination of reference content with age-appropriate videos, newspapers, magazines and primary sources. Categories cover a range of the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, U.S. and more.
• Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context: Compare opinions, articles and reference materials about controversial topics.
• Gale Presents: Take practice tests and learn from study guides to prepare for standardized tests, including the SAT and GED.
• Homework Help: Speak with professional real-time, online tutors and get expert help on essays, calculus, WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) and FAFSA.
• Research Rocket: Articles from familiar kids’ magazines and news sources. Search by topic and reading level.
• Science Online from Infobase: Discover experiments, videos, biographies and science research.
• Pronunciator: Learn more than 160 languages.
• SIRS Discoverer: Access research for middle and elementary school students incorporating articles from 1,400+ publications and selected topic websites.
• Science to Go backpacks: STEAM books and activities for grades K-5 in backpacks.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 634,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and property taxes are the main funding source. People may choose from more than one million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Pierce County teens shared powerful lived experiences in the Pierce County Library System’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. Nearly 900 teen artists, photographers and writers across the county displayed their talent in the contest.

 

Winning entries from the contest feature such themes as immigration, culture, reconciliation and growing up shared through photos, images and written words.

 

“I am thankful for this opportunity,” said Caitlynn Wohlford of Bonney Lake, who placed third in the Drawing category. “The piece I created is representative of personal growth as one matures into adulthood. I depicted myself in multiple forms to show this change I personally experienced. Thank you for this recognition of my artwork and what it represents!”

 

Professional judges, author Kendare Blake, artist Nikki McClure, photographer Faith Matthews, and Tacoma Poet Laureate Lydia K. Valentine selected the winners, who were awarded cash prizes from the Pierce County Library Foundation. The Library System is displaying the award-winning young authors and artists’ work at expressions.pcls.us and in copies of the winners’ booklet available at Pierce County Libraries and as an e-book through OverDrive.

 

“I honestly didn’t expect to place with my poetry, but I am so honored that I did,” said Kathryn Harry of Gig Harbor, who placed second in the Poetry category. “Thank you so much to my English teacher who encouraged me to submit my work, my friends and family who support me, as well as the judges and everyone running the Our Own Expressions program for providing this opportunity for me and others.”

 

Drawing Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Leslie Wallace, Puyallup; 2^nd—Cadence Reed, Lakewood; 3^rd—Billy Atkins, Buckley

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Julia Clarke, Gig Harbor; 2^nd—Samantha Diaz, Bonney Lake; 3^rd—Charlotte Southworth, Tacoma

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Abi Losh, Gig Harbor; 2^nd—Evelyn Bang, Bonney Lake; 3^rd—Caitlynn Wohlford, Bonney Lake

 

Photography Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Sophia Olsen, Fox Island; 2^nd—Ava Garcia, DuPont; 3^rd—Ethan Barnes, Gig Harbor

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Grace Harbottle, Lakewood; 2^nd—William Aldridge, Steilacoom; 3^rd—William Abarr, Puyallup

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Tyson Cornwell, Eatonville; 2^nd—Abigail Matelski, DuPont; 3^rd—Rhemmy Chen, Lakewood

 

Poetry Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Emma Sevilla, Spanaway; 2^nd—Lin Best, Steilacoom; 3^rd—Willow Moon, University Place

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Audrey Douglass, Puyallup; 2^nd—Kathryn Harry, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Joel McMillan, Tacoma

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Tyson Cornwell, Eatonville; 2^nd—Rylie Wood, Bonney Lake; 3^rd—Isaac Hacker, Tacoma

 

Short Story Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Mia Columbo, Gig Harbor; 2^nd—Willow Moon, University Place; 3^rd—Greta Brown, Tacoma

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Grace Elliott, Graham; 2^nd—Lily Carpenter, Tacoma; 3^rd—Denrie Gray, Puyallup

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Savannah Mitchell, Tacoma; 2^nd—Skylar Viene, Tacoma; 3^rd—Hannah Scott, Puyallup

 

Thank you to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring the Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. The Library System encourages teens to continue their creative outlets with virtual and in-person teen library events and classes.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 634,000 people throughout Pierce County with 19 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and property taxes are the main funding source. People may choose from more than one million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Learn and have fun at an outdoor class or event at the Pierce County Library System. To give children, teenagers and adults the classes and events they’ve been wanting, the Pierce County Library is offering classes in parking lots, fields and in other outdoor spaces all for free and in a safer way.

 

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to reimagine services to safely serve communities,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Residents have been asking for ways to reconnect safely and we’ve wanted to reconnect with people, too. With our outdoor classes and events we can make that happen.”

 

While continuing to offer a variety of virtual events, the Pierce County Library re-imagined in-person activities and now has added outdoor classes and events. Ranging from story time to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) events and poetry walks, people of all ages can learn and have fun.

 

Upcoming events:

 

Outdoor Stomp Rockets

Make and decorate paper rockets and launch them from PVC pipe launchers powered by stomping on 2-liter plastic bottles. Ages 3-10. Registration required.

Thursday, Sept. 2, 1-2 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Dr. N.W. Event held on the grass field of Peninsula Christian Fellowship, adjacent to the Gig Harbor Library.

 

Outdoor Family Story Time

Enjoy stories, activities, rhymes and singing for the whole family. Ages 0-6. Registration required.

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Dr. N.W. Event held on the grass field of Peninsula Christian Fellowship, adjacent to the Gig Harbor Library.

 

STEAM Creations and Games - An Outdoor Interactive STEAM Program for Kids

Get together outdoors at the library to create STEAM masterpieces and play games. Parents and caregivers welcome. Ages 5-10. Registration required.

 

Week 1: Bubbles and Wands - Make bubble wands and bubble mixture to create bubbles.

Week 2: Towers - Engineer tower masterpieces.

Week 3: Light-Up Creatures - Create light-up creatures and learn basic circuitry.

Week 4: Lanterns - Create light-up lanterns and continue basic circuitry learning.

 

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, 4-5 p.m., Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E.

 

Wednesday Sept. 8 and Tuesday Sept. 21, 3-4 p.m.; and Saturday Sept. 18 and Saturday Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.

Steilacoom

 

Thursday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 4-5 p.m., Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma

 

Thursday, Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Dr. N.W. Event held on the grass field of Peninsula Christian Fellowship, adjacent to the Gig Harbor Library.

 

Outdoor Story Time Series

Join Librarian Rebecca outdoors for books and activities. Registration required.

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave. Meet in the grassy area to the left of the building.

 

Paint Jam

Come paint, chat and enjoy music together! Supplies provided. Ages 13-18. Registration required.

Saturday, Sept. 25, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave. Meet in the grassy area to the left of the building.

 

Adriana Hess Wetlands ~ Poetry in the Park Walk

Walk the Adriana Hess Wetlands with the University Place Pierce County Library and Tahoma Audubon. Read the poetry signs and learn about local nature on this walk. Adults. Registration required.

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 10-11:00 a.m., Hess Wetland Park, 2917 Morrison Rd. W.

 

For registration required events, register for free on the Library’s website, with the event or class of interest: https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events. The Library continues to add classes and events, please check the website for current offerings.

 

Poor weather conditions, air quality, public health guidance or other factors may cancel an event or class. Events may have attendance limits due to available supplies or outdoor space or safety considerations; please sign up for the wait list if an event is full. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a blanket or chair. Per public health directives, masks are required outdoors where physical distancing isn’t possible.

 

Once the outdoor fun is complete, participants are encouraged to head inside a Pierce County Library to continue learning with a book or Science-to-Go backpack or to check out a book or movie for enjoyment and reduce some stress.

 

Masks are required in library buildings for ages 5 and older. Following Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s directive and the State of Washington’s order, the Pierce County Library requires the public and staff, regardless of vaccination, to wear masks to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The Washington State Department of Health strongly encourages children ages 2-4 to wear masks.

 

Learn more about all the events available from the Pierce County Library at calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from more than one million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org            

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

 

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Pierce County teen artists, photographers, and writers put an exclamation point on the 25^th year of the Pierce County Library System’s annual Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest! More than 700 students in grades 7 through 12 from schools across the county displayed their creativity and talent in their drawings, photographs, poems and short stories.

 

Professional writers Michael Magee and Brandi Douglas, photographer Lisa Roden, and artist Abrian Curington selected the winners, who were awarded cash prizes from the Pierce County Library Foundation. The award-winning young authors and artists will have their winning work displayed at expressions.pcls.us and in copies of the winners’ booklet available at Pierce County Libraries through Library Curbside service.

 

“Thank you to the hundreds of teens who shared their talent, voice and vision in the contest,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Students faced many challenges this past year due to the pandemic, learning remotely and everything else about being teenagers. I’m happy to see the many teenagers who participated in the contest as a creative outlet to find and show enjoyment.”

 

Drawing Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Tia Norman, Tacoma; 2^nd—Chelsea Bass, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Erika Rusak, Auburn

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Iris Rogel, Bonney Lake; 2^nd—Julia Clarke, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Charlotte Southworth, Tacoma

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Sam Johnson, Spanaway; 2^nd—Chloe Brown, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Taylor Swensen, Bonney Lake

 

Photography Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Michael Fulkerson, Tacoma; 2^nd—Morgan Ackerland, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Natalynn Kirkendoll-Graham, Vaughn

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Sofia Anderson, Steilacoom; 2^nd—Alana Rojas, DuPont; 3^rd—Anna Salmon, DuPont

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Jehlil Ruffner, Steilacoom; 2^nd—Jade Edwards, Anderson Island; 3^rd—Elliot Carlsson, Steilacoom

 

Poetry Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Kaylina Warren, Sumner; 2^nd—Alexa Kotansky, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Natalie Bates, Tacoma

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Clarisse Fowlkes, Puyallup; 2^nd—Audrianna Rouse, Puyallup; 3^rd—Olivia Lathrom, Graham

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Benita Kisembo, University Place; 2^nd—Lily Tamminga, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Honor Tamminga, Gig Harbor

 

Short Story Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Audrey Douglass, Puyallup; 2^nd—Gabriella Vonada, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Lia Hartley, Puyallup

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Rylie Wood, Bonney Lake; 2^nd—Jacob Lawty, University Place; 3^rd—Nathan Schmidt, Lakewood

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Mary Funches, University Place; 2^nd—Honor Tamminga, Gig Harbor; 3^rd—Aubren Reis, Fircrest

 

Thank you to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring the Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. The Library System encourages teens to continue their creative outlets with virtual teen library events and plan to participate in next year’s contest scheduled for early 2022.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org             

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Enjoy books more this spring with fun activities, challenges and reading events from the Pierce County Library System’s Spring into Reading challenge, now through April 30. The program encourages readers of all ages to try books about nature, rainy day reads and titles inspired by the new year.

 

“The Library System continually fosters the love of reading, and with this reading challenge, we encourage you to pick up a book you might not typically choose,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “New reading topics, themes and genres have proven to help reduce stress, plus reading is enjoyable! We all know, now more than ever, we need some stress reducers.”

 

Readers who complete the challenge by finishing three books will be entered to win a $100 gift card, thanks to the Pierce County Library Foundation. To participate, readers can track their reading by:

 

• Visiting enjoybooks.pcls.us.
• Downloading the Beanstack app from Google Play or the Apple store.
• Downloading a paper log from enjoybooks.pcls.us.
• Picking up a paper log using Pierce County Library’s curbside service.

 

Participants may find optional activities to enhance their reading experience such as writing prompts, art projects or opportunities to engage with others. Story times for kids and adults, author events and book discussions are available to help people further enjoy books. The Library encourages participants to share their reading experience with family and friends.

 

Sign up and learn more at enjoybooks.pcls.us.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org            

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Library System celebrates 25 years of teen creativity with Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art Contest, which runs now through Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

 

Teen writers and artists in seventh through 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, may enter the free contest, individually or as a team. They may enter in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.

 

Tacoma resident Bethany Maines was a teen in 1997 when she entered the inaugural contest. She had always been a creative writer although never considered pursuing it as a career. Maines placed third in the short story category and grew up to become a published author, illustrator and graphic designer.

 

“This contest is one of the things that gave me the confidence to pursue writing more seriously,” Maines said. “Participating in the contest gave me the encouragement to keep pursuing writing and also gave me recognition in my own community.”

 

Maines went on to publish a collection of short stories based on her winning entry, titled “Tales from the City of Destiny.” Pierce County Library’s online e-books offer some of Maines’ books for check out.

 

“We love hearing the success stories from teens who went on to pursue more creative outlets and careers, as a result of the Our Own Expressions contest,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “A lot can be said about a teen when their writing and artistic talent is recognized and published. Congratulations to Bethany and the tens of thousands of teens who participated in the contest through the years!”

 

Students may get entry forms online. Teens may use mobile printing and Library Curbside to download and pick up printed copies of the entry forms. Students may submit entries online or by mail to Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

 

Judges will review writing entries based on originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. Judges will review art entries based on composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media. Published authors, professional artists and photographers select the final winning pieces.

 

The Library System will announce all of the winning entries in a special publication and distribute copies throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. The Pierce County Library Foundation will award cash prizes of $50 to $100 to winners in three age groups: seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade in all four categories.

 

Contest winners will be announced and celebrated virtually in May.

 

Visit expressions.pcls.us for more information about the Our Own Expressions contest.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org            

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Pierce County teen artists, photographers and writers win awards and show off their creative talents in the Pierce County Library System’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. More than 800 students in grades 7 through 12 from schools all across Pierce County submitted their passionately crafted poems, short stories and photographs to compete in the contest.

 

“The depth of Pierce County teenagers’ talent continues to astonish and impress,” said Pierce County Library’s Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Wow—to express one’s self through poetry, stories and photography takes a serious step of self-confidence and awareness. We are grateful for all of the teenagers for sharing their wit, insights, interests and part of themselves.”

 

The contest is part of the Library System’s Strategic Plan, which includes Enjoyment as a focus area to inspire imagination and create opportunities to pursue passions. The award-winning young authors and artists will have their winning work displayed at expressions.pcls.us and in copies of the winners’ booklet available at Pierce County Libraries through Library Curbside service.

 

Professional writers and authors Christina Butcher and Daniel Marks, photographer Sharon Styer and artist Jill Alayna Frey selected the winners.

 

Poetry Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Kyleigh Helland, Lakebay; 2^nd—Benjamin Hughes, DuPont; 3^rd—Autumn John, Puyallup

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Clarence Sanders, Tacoma; 2^nd—Alicia Hale, Tacoma; 3^rd—Claire Ensunsa, Tacoma

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Syncear Loyd, Tacoma; 2^nd—Alisa Zhupanenko, Tacoma; 3^rd—G Alvarado, Puyallup

 

Short Story Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Ellis Adamson, Gig Harbor; 2^nd—Natalie Baker, Fircrest; 3^rd—Emily Bray, Gig Harbor

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Viola James, Fircrest; 2^nd—Skylar Viene, Tacoma; 3^rd—Jacob Lawty, University Place

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Maleila Henry-Mitchell, Olympia; 2^nd—Juliana Smith, Puyallup; 3^rd—Savannah Guenzi, Lakewood

 

Photography Winners

Grades 7-8: 1^st—Rachel Miloa McKeen, Milton; 2^nd—Denaya Dyke, Bonney Lake; 3^rd—Alivia Stuck, Bonney Lake

Grades 9-10: 1^st—Amaialyne Nadine Cepeda, Tacoma; 2^nd—Lauren Cryder, Puyallup; 3^rd—Laurel Oelke, Gig Harbor

Grades 11-12: 1^st—Millaray Lopez Salazar, Tacoma; 2^nd—G Alvarado, Puyallup; 3^rd—Aiden Michael, Lakewood

 

Thanks to the Pierce County Library Foundation for sponsoring the Our Own Expressions Teen Writing and Art Contest. The Library System encourages teenagers to plan to participate in the Our Own Expressions 25^th Anniversary contest scheduled for early 2021.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

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PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – Congratulations to Logan Wilcox, of Brouillet Elementary in Puyallup, and Eliana Parks, a homeschool student from Gig Harbor, for their winning designs in Pierce County Library System’s Card Design Contest! The public cast more than 8,000 votes to select the winning designs. People may view the winning artwork online at cardcontest.pcls.us.

 

“We were blown away by the talent of the students who participated in this contest,” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “Thank you to the more than 8,000 people who cast votes for all of the creative entries, and congratulations to Logan and Eliana!”

 

Nearly 300 students living or attending school in Pierce County submitted original designs in the free contest. Professional artists reviewed entries and selected six finalists for two age groups: elementary and middle school/high school.

 

For perspective of just how many people may soon be carrying library cards designed by Wilcox and Parks, nearly 363,000 people have active Pierce County Library cards. Active cards mean that the cardholder or someone in their family has used the card in the past two years. In 2019, the Library issued 37,000 new cards.

 

In the coming months, people may choose from these two new student-designed cards.

 

With a free Pierce County Library card people have access to 1.1 million books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials.

 

 

Contact: Mary Getchell, Marketing and Communications Director

Office: 253-548-3428; cell: 253-229-4477

 

 

About Pierce County Library System

The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 620,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 822,000 million, e-books, audiobooks, movies and other materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities, people who are homebound, and to children in childcare centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.

piercecountylibrary.org            

facebook.com/PierceCoLibrary

twitter.com/PierceCoLibrary