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Image for event: All-Ages Essay Contest

All-Ages Essay Contest

Theme: "What Does America Mean to You?"
2026-05-22 00:00:00 2026-05-22 23:59:00 America/New_York All-Ages Essay Contest Calling all writing enthusiasts! The Pickerington Public Library is hosting an Essay Contest this summer! Age Categories: Kids: 0-11 | Teens: 12-17 | Adults: 18+. Offsite -

Friday, May 22
All day

Add to Calendar 2026-05-22 00:00:00 2026-05-22 23:59:00 America/New_York All-Ages Essay Contest Calling all writing enthusiasts! The Pickerington Public Library is hosting an Essay Contest this summer! Age Categories: Kids: 0-11 | Teens: 12-17 | Adults: 18+. Offsite -

Calling all writing enthusiasts! The Pickerington Public Library is hosting an Essay Contest this summer! Age Categories: Kids: 0-11 | Teens: 12-17 | Adults: 18+.

Calling all writing enthusiasts! The Pickerington Public Library is hosting an Essay Contest this summer! Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday, we want to hear your thoughts, opinions, and experiences of living in the United States of America! 

Writers of all ages are invited to reflect, tell their stories, and submit an original essay for a chance to win their age category and be a featured guest at the Open Mic Night and Awards Ceremony in August. Prize baskets will be awarded to each winner in the three age groups, and one overall grand prize winner will win a $200 gift card to the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts.
 
Age Categories: 
Kids: 0-11 
Teens: 12-17  
Adults: 18+  

Essay Requirements:

  • Essays should respond to the theme “What Does America Mean to You?” 
  • Submissions must include at least one personal experience, observation, or example that helps explain the writer’s perspective. 
  • Essays must be typed. 
    • Teen & Adult essays should be 500–1,000 words in length. 
    • Kids' essays do not have a word requirement. 
  • Essays must be original work created by the participants. Submissions that contain plagiarized material, are generated by artificial intelligence tools, or are written by someone other than the participant may be disqualified at the discretion of the library. 
    • Parents of younger children may type the exact words of their child, if the child is unable to type. We recommend using speech-to-text technology, if available. 
  • By submitting an essay, participants grant the library permission to display or publish their work (with first name and last initial) for promotional or educational purposes. 
  • Typed essays may be dropped off at Pickerington Main Library or Sycamore Plaza Library.
  • In the event of a tie, the submission with the highest Reflection and Insight score will be selected as the winner
  • May. 22: Contest Opens
  • Jul. 10: Submission Deadline
  • Aug. 12: Open Mic Night & Awards 

AGE GROUP: | Tweens | Teens | Preschoolers | Kids | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Summer Reading | Outreach/Community Events | General | Adult Learning |

TAGS: | |

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Mon, Apr 27 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Apr 28 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Apr 29 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 30 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, May 01 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, May 02 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, May 03 12:00PM to 5:00PM
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Upcoming events

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Play to Learn - New! A playgroup for toddlers and their caregivers
Fri, May 01, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pickerington Main - Barn,Meeting Room A
Discover a new early literacy offering with hands-on learning toys, activities, and crafts that support child development while giving families time to play and socialize together.
Teen Crafternoon - Each week features a new craft!
Fri, May 01, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Sycamore Plaza - Learning Kitchen
Join us for Teen Crafternoon every Friday! Try our featured craft or get creative with your own idea. All materials provided—just bring your imagination.
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Fri, May 01, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Fri, May 01, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Friday Chill - Snacks and activities for Teens
Fri, May 01, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
A dedicated space for teens to relax at the end of the school week.
Chocolate Hop - Olde Pickerington Village
Fri, May 01, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Olde Pickerington Village
Visit the Library-On-The-Go at the Chocolate Hope and pick up a free chocolate book!
Touch-A-Truck - Free event hosted by Pickerington Parks & Recreation
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pickerington Community Pool - 11330 Stonecreek Dr, Pickerington OH, 43147
Wonder how the Library-On-The-Go holds so many books? Ever wanted to sit in the driver's seat and honk the horn? No is your chance! Get close up and hands-on with the Library-On-The-Go!
Downsizing & Senior Care Expo 2026 - by Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce
Sat, May 02, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Grace Fellowship
Stop by the Library's table at this event! Visit the expo hall and attend educational sessions on senior care and services, and more.
Page Turners Book Club - All reading levels are welcome
Mon, May 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Make meaningful connections as we read and discuss a variety of books.
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Mon, May 04, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Mon, May 04, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Homework Help Center - Pickerington Main
Mon, May 04, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
Open Monday-Thursday following the PLSD calendar
Homework Help Center - Sycamore Plaza Library
Mon, May 04, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Meeting Room
Open Monday-Thursday when the Pickerington Local School District is in session.
Tales with the Tigers - Stories, Songs, & Playtime
Tue, May 05, 10:15am - 11:00am
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
High school students take over storytime!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Tue, May 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Tue, May 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Homework Help Center - Pickerington Main
Tue, May 05, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
Open Monday-Thursday following the PLSD calendar
Homework Help Center - Sycamore Plaza Library
Tue, May 05, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Meeting Room
Open Monday-Thursday when the Pickerington Local School District is in session.
Cancelled
PlayStation Sessions - Gaming for Teens
Tue, May 05, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Kick back after school and get your game on!
Teen Taco Tuesday - A Hands-On Cooking Class for Teens
Tue, May 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Learning Kitchen
This after-school cooking class gives teens a fun, hands-on way to pick up a basic kitchen skill—then enjoy a tasty taco treat they made themselves!
Board Game Club - For Teens and Tweens
Wed, May 06, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Conference Room
Connect with fellow board game enthusiasts and dive into a wide variety of tabletop experiences from light strategy to immersive gameplay.
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Wed, May 06, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Wed, May 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Homework Help Center - Sycamore Plaza Library
Wed, May 06, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Meeting Room
Open Monday-Thursday when the Pickerington Local School District is in session.
Homework Help Center - Pickerington Main
Wed, May 06, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
Open Monday-Thursday following the PLSD calendar
Take a Paws - Homework break & dogs! 
Wed, May 06, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Pickerington Main
Visit certified therapy dogs at Pickerington Public Library's Homework Help Center to destress. 
Open Play Chess Club - Play, Learn, and Connect Over the Board
Wed, May 06, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Pickerington Main - Atrium
Drop-in experience where players can enjoy casual games, share strategies, and learn from one another.
Reading Buddies - Grades K-4 read one-on-one with a volunteer!
Wed, May 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Meeting Room
In-person registration begins at the start of the event. Bring your own book or choose one from the shelves for a 20-minute session with a volunteer or staff member.
Tales with the Tigers - Stories, Songs, & Playtime
Thu, May 07, 10:15am - 11:00am
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
High school students take over storytime!
Homework Help Center - Pickerington Main
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
Open Monday-Thursday following the PLSD calendar
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
PlayStation Sessions - Gaming for Teens
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Learning Kitchen
Kick back after school and get your game on!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Homework Help Center - Sycamore Plaza Library
Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Meeting Room
Open Monday-Thursday when the Pickerington Local School District is in session.
Reading Buddies - Grades K-4 read one-on-one with a volunteer!
Thu, May 07, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Pickerington Main - Barn
In-person registration begins at the start of the event. Bring your own book or choose one from the shelves for a 20-minute session with a volunteer or staff member.
Homeschool Connect: Nature Hike - Educational & fun classes for K-5 kids who learn at home.
Fri, May 08, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Sycamore Creek Park
Classes will focus on science, art, literature, and more.
Teen Crafternoon - Each week features a new craft!
Fri, May 08, 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Sycamore Plaza - Learning Kitchen
Join us for Teen Crafternoon every Friday! Try our featured craft or get creative with your own idea. All materials provided—just bring your imagination.
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Fri, May 08, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Fri, May 08, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Friday Chill - Snacks and activities for Teens
Fri, May 08, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
A dedicated space for teens to relax at the end of the school week.
Tea Party - A Mother's Day Celebration - Meet Violet, enjoy tea, desserts, crafts, and more.
Sat, May 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Learning Kitchen
Registration required for guaranteed participation and supplies.
This event is full
Adaptive Stories and Play - Quieter music, fidget toys, and interactive learning.
Sat, May 09, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
An all-ages literacy class specifically adapted for children who need extra support.
Tea Party - A Mother's Day Celebration - Meet Violet, enjoy tea, desserts, crafts, and more.
Sat, May 09, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Learning Kitchen
Registration required for guaranteed participation and supplies.
Hamilton Screening - Viewing and Sing-along of the Broadway musical "Hamilton"
Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Teens will enjoy popcorn and sing-along with America's favorite Founding Fathers! "Hamilton" is the story of the American Revolutionary War told from Alexander Hamilton’s perspective. (Rated PG-13)
Page Turners Book Club - All reading levels are welcome
Mon, May 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Make meaningful connections as we read and discuss a variety of books.
Homework Help Center - Pickerington Main
Mon, May 11, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room C
Open Monday-Thursday following the PLSD calendar
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Mon, May 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Teen Hang - Unwind After Class with Friends, Fun, and Free Time
Mon, May 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sycamore Plaza
Stop by after school for snacks, crafts, video games, and more!
Homework Help Center - Sycamore Plaza Library
Mon, May 11, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Sycamore Plaza - Meeting Room
Open Monday-Thursday when the Pickerington Local School District is in session.
Friends of the Pickerington Public Library - Meeting
Mon, May 11, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Pickerington Main - Meeting Room A
Meetings are held monthly on the 2nd Monday. Open to the public
See all events