Have a Story to Share? A Poem, Memory, Drawing, or Spark of Creativity?

As part of the Year of the Storymaker project at Kealakekua Public Library, we are building a collaborative book created entirely by our community — all ages, all voices, all imagination welcome. Submit your work over the next three months and become a published contributor! Every participant will receive a bound copy, and one will be added to our public library’s collection for everyone to enjoy. Submission Deadline March 31, 2026.

The Details:

Who Can Participate:

• Open to all ages in our community.
• Individual or group submissions welcome.

What You Can Submit:

• Short stories, poems, essays, personal reflections
• Artwork (drawings, comics, photography—submitted as digital images)
• Recipes with a story, interviews, local history pieces
• Any original creative work appropriate for a general audience

Submission Requirements:

• All work must be original and created by the contributor.
• Keep submissions PG / appropriate for all ages.
• Written submissions: up to 1,000 words per piece (shorter is welcome!).
• Artwork submissions: high-resolution images (JPEG/PNG/PDF).
• You may submit up to 3 pieces total.
• By submitting, contributors grant permission for their work to be included in the bound community collection and displayed in the library.

Formatting & File Tips:

• Please include your name as you would like it printed in the book (or anonymous, if preferred).
• If your child submits, include a parent/guardian name for permission.
• For typed work: standard readable fonts; for handwritten work, clear photos or scans.

How To Submit Your Contribution:

Option 1: Email Submission

Send your writing or artwork files to hklcirc@librarieshawaii.org with the subject line Community Writing Collection. Attach files directly.

Option 2: In-Library Drop-Off Folder

Provide printed writing or physical artwork (which will be scanned and returned). A submission form will be available at the front desk.

Option 3: Online Form Upload

Complete and upload using the online form. Complete and upload to Community Writing Collection

Contact the library with any questions.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required. Program schedule is subject to change.