2015 Friends of the Library Short Story Contest Winners

Students from Olean Intermediate Middle School and Hinsdale Central School took top prizes in the 2015 short story contest sponsored by the Friends of the Olean Public Library. Prizes were awarded to students in grades six and seven. The contest was also open to grades eight and nine, but no awards were given in those grades this year.

First prize winners were Rylie Gumtow of Olean, grade six, and Jackson Howell of Hinsdale, grade seven. Rylie told the story of Juliana, who dreams of joining the graceful ice skaters outside the library where she is working, Jackson’s story traces the impact one butterfly can have over history.

Each first prize winner will receive a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card.

Second place winners were Chrissy Martin and Jazlynn Knapp, both Olean, grade six, and Aarika Mattys, Hinsdale, grade seven. They will each receive a gift certificate to Seasons in the Olean Center Mall. Sarah Scott of Hinsdale received an honorable mention in grade seven.

Entries must feature at least two of four items set in the contest rules. The stories may be no longer than 350 words.

This year’s contest drew 55 entries. Rules for the 2016 competition will become available early next year. Teachers or students who are interested in taking part should contact Carole McNall at cmcnall511@gmail.com or via the library at 134 North 2nd Street, Olean.

Notice Anything New Outside?

Recently the Friends of the Library purchased an octagonal picnic table for the grassy area in front of the Library so patrons can enjoy some time in the sun reading their books and catching the library’s wireless signal.  The table and benches are made of 100 percent recycled material and are maintenance free.

You may have also noticed the blue bags on the side of the bookshelf holding the book sale books.  These bags are for sale for the modest fee of one dollar.  They are stamped with the Friends of the Library logo and can hold all those books you purchase from the book sale!

You can find more information about The Friends of the Olean Public Library by clicking here including information on how to become a member.

2011 Friends of the Library Short Story Contest

Entries will be accepted until April 4 for the 2011 Friends of the Olean Library short story contest. The contest is open to students in grades six through 10. Students may enter as a part of a class or on their own, and home-schooled students are welcome to enter.

Stories must feature all of the following items, used in an imaginative way: a big book, a dream and a pet (or a book about a pet). Stories may be no longer than 350 words. Stories which are longer or which do not feature all three items will be disqualified.

Mechanical correctness —  spelling, punctuation and grammar — is an important factor in the judging.

Entries must be typed on 8½ x 11 paper.  Students without other access to a word processor are welcome to use those at the Olean Public Library. Each page of the story must include the student’s name, grade, school and teacher’s name, even if the student is not entering as part of a class. Home-schooled students should use the name of the person doing most of the teaching as your teacher’s name.

Entries should be mailed or dropped off at the Olean Public Library, 134 N. 2nd St., Olean 14760. Winners will be notified in late April. First place winners at each grade level will receive gift cards from Barnes and Noble.

 

New and Improved Book Sale

The Olean Public Library book sale will begin Monday, January 3^rd, 2011.

To better serve our library patrons, the book sale will now be a permanent fixture at the library, patrons may browse any time during normal library hours. The prices remain the same at $1.00 for hardcover books and .50 for paperbacks,” Olean Public Library Director Lance Chaffee stated. All materials sold will be in good to excellent condition.

The Olean Public Library is located at 134 North Second Street, Olean, New York. The hours are Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday, 9:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am -5:00 pm and Sundays 1:00-4:00 pm from November through March.

For more information please call the Reference Desk at (716) 372-0200 or visit our website at www.oleanlibrary.org

Friends of the Olean Public Library Bookmark Contest

The Bookmark Contest is underway.  Judging will take place on Tuesday, November 16, 2010.  A reception will take place in February 2011 to honor the winners.

Thank you to all who are participating!