Come pick up a free writing kit containing a notebook, a zine filled with prompts, and a pen to help you write an entry for the Ned Vizzini Teen Writing Prize! If you're a teen writer from New York City, grades 6-12, you're invited to submit your poetry and prose to be judged by a panel of BPL's expert young adult librarians for creativity, style and voice. Submissions open from March 1-31, 2026. Find out more information here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/teen-writing-contest
If you need help drawing inspiration, a quiet place to write, or help with grammar, stop by and pick up a kit and talk to your Young Adult Librarian.
Entries accepted in two categories:
Poetry: up to 500 words
Prose: up to 2,500 words—short stories, reviews, news stories, rants, raves, everything else!
Winners in poetry and prose will receive the Ned Vizzini Teen Writing Prize with cash awards ($500; $250), have their pieces published in the Teen Writing Journal distributed by the Library, and be honored at a reception in June.
