Check the stories of past winners at this link.

Reach out to the EY coordinator in your building if you need help with your story or submission.

Closing Date: Friday Nov 1, 2024

There is nothing better than reading a thrilling story, one that grips you so tightly and puts your senses on alert simply through the power of words. Spooky Sagas is a fantastic way to practice writing in this way by using tension, suspense, and atmosphere.

Write a mini saga (a story told in up to 100 words) can be funny or creepy, scary or odd, but must be your own work.

Read the student info page for more ideas.

Student Planning Sheet

Writing Samples

More information 

The contest closes on Nov 1. If you would like help with your submission, make sure to get your story to the EY teacher in your building before this date.

Taken directly from: http://omaha.bibliocms.com/virginia-frank-memorial-writing-contest/

The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing contest is held each year in the spring to recognize the creative writing talent of our area students. This contest, sponsored by the Friends of Omaha Public Library, recognizes the top three winners from each grade. Each winner receives a cash prize and certificate, is recognized in a ceremony at the library on April 23, and has their story published on the library website. The school libraries of each winning student are also recognized with a matching cash prize.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be in 5th to 8th Grade, and live in Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, Dodge or Saunders County.
• Students may be enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home school.
• Essays must be typed and no longer than 750 words.
• Include a cover page with the title of the story, writer’s name, address, zip code, phone number, current grade, and name of school.
• The decision of the judges is final.
• All entries become the property of Friends of Omaha Public Library (FOPL) and may be featured by Omaha Public Library on its website or social media
• Entries must be original fiction featuring a character from a book you have enjoyed. Identify the book and author from which your character originated in the title or subtitle of your story.
• Only one entry per contestant will be accepted.
• Please contact the EY coordinator in your building with questions or help with submitting your story. Entries are due at the end of Feb 2108.

Prizes

• First ($100), second ($50) and third place ($25)
• Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners from each grade.
• The school library of the winning students will be recognized with matching cash prizes.

Read the winning stories from the 2017 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest. Check out our 2017 grade 7 winner from Westside Middle School! 

About Virginia Frank

The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest began in 2003 and is named in honor of a longtime Friends of Omaha Public Library volunteer. Virginia Frank was a Central High and UNO graduate. She acquired a master’s degree from Brown University and taught English literature and creative writing at UNO for many years. Her passion for students and young people inspired everyone around her, and her enthusiasm encouraged many students to explore their creative writing talents. Frank volunteered thousands of hours with the Friends of OPL to help ensuring a bright future for our public libraries.