PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum are thrilled to announce the 47th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 28th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Young Adults. 

 

This annual event, fostering imagination and literary talent, officially opened on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and will close promptly at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025.

 

"We are incredibly excited to launch another year of our Short Story Writing Contest," said Youth Services Supervisor, Sara Russell-Scholl. "This contest provides a wonderful platform for young writers in our community to explore their creativity, develop their narrative skills, and share their unique voices. We can't wait to read the inspiring stories that emerge!"

 

The Library accepts submissions in multiple convenient ways: in person at the Library, via mail (Berkshire Athenaeum, ATTN: Short Story Contest, One Wendell Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201) or by email. Children's entries can be emailed to childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org and Young Adult entries to youngadult@pittsfieldlibrary.org.

 

For more information, including official contest rules and guidelines, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org, email childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org with "Short Story Contest" in the subject line, or call the Children's Library at (413) 499-9480, option 5.