Dundas and Turner Park Branches - Period Promise Campaign
From April 15 - May 31, you may drop off menstruation products at the Dundas and Turner Park branches which are community collection locations. For more information, please visit www.uwhh.ca/periodpromise.
Solar Eclipse Glasses - Return to HPL Branches
If you would like to donate your ISO safety solar eclipse glasses, return them to any HPL Branch or Bookmobile visit. HPL and McMaster University have teamed up with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Hamilton Centre to collect and redistribute. Thank you for returning your glasses.
Phishing Scheme
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest
The 30th Power of the Pen writing competition invites writers ages 12-18 to submit original poetry and short stories in English, French or both languages. Prizes are for 1st and 2nd place in seven age groups in poetry and short story categories. Digital submissions are encouraged.
Categories:
Participants can enter poems and short stories in English and French:
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English - Please submit one poem, short story or both per person in the English category. Each entrant's age at the time of submission determines category placement. (Age 12 poetry, Age 12 short story, Age 13 poetry, etc.)
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French - Please submit one poem, short story or both in the French category.
Prizes:
A published writer, teacher or reviewer judges entries in each category for originality, style, general presentation, spelling and grammar. There are 1st and 2nd-place winners in the seven age categories (12-18) for poetry and short story in English and French.
Each entry also qualifies for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art Maitland Banting Silver Quill and Young Poet awards. The winner in each category receives $250.
*French entries are not included in the HAALSA prize selection.
First-prize winners in each age category receive $100 and 2nd prize winners receive $25. All award winners receive a certificate and a copy of the Power of the Pen publication.
How to Enter:
This year's competition opens May 1st, 2024, and closes September 30, 2024. Submit your work via the official entry form. Notification goes out to winners in December.
For more information, please email mnichols@hpl.ca.
Note to Teachers:
If you are submitting a short story or poem on behalf of a student, please ensure a completed official entry form accompanies each written submission.