The Why I Need My Library Video Contest is an initiative of 2010-2011 ALA President Roberta Stevens. The contest aims to engage a key constituency PLA members know well: teenagers. Librarians know that our teens need their libraries now more than ever. We are asking for your help in raising awareness in your community about the importance of libraries in a simple, fun and entertaining way!

Teenagers ages 13 – 18 are invited to create original videos, 1 – 3 minutes in length, about why they feel “I need my Library.”

Teens submit their original videos and compete in two age categories, 13 – 15 and 16 – 18, for prizes. Winners will identify either their school or local public library as the beneficiary of the cash prizes.
From each age category (two categories total):
o Three 3rd place winners will receive $1000 each for their selected libraries
o Two 2nd place winners will receive $2000 each for their selected library.
o One 1st place winner will receive $3000 for their selected library plus $50 gift cards to an online bookseller for each individual member of the winning group (limit of 6 participants per group).

*Videos should be submitted to YouTube and tagged alaneedmylibrary15 for entries in the 13 – 15 category and alaneedmylibrary18 for entries in the 16 – 18 category.

*Contest entries must be uploaded to YouTube by midnight April 18, 2011. Contest details are available here.

Email questions to .