Grande Prairie Library Invites Writers for ‘The Woods’ Contest

The Grande Prairie Public Library (GPPL) is calling for creative writers in the region to participate in the upcoming Collins Writing Contest, which has a submission deadline of February 28, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Woods,” invites participants to explore nature through their storytelling.

Bailey Randolph, the Head of Children’s Teen Services at GPPL, emphasized the contest’s long-standing tradition and community engagement. “The contest has been going since the 1980s. We like to bring all aspects of the literary to the library,” she stated. Renamed in 2000 to honor local philanthropists Clem and Muriel Collins, the competition has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering local talent.

The theme for the 2026 contest reflects the library’s summer reading initiative, which aims to inspire creativity among local writers. Randolph expressed enthusiasm about the submissions, noting, “It’s exciting to see what writers submit.”

The contest is open to residents from the Municipal District of Greenview, the City of Grande Prairie, and the County of Grande Prairie. Different categories are available for various age groups, including Grade 1-3, Grade 4-6, Grade 7-9, Grade 10-12, and Adults. Each participant may submit only one entry, with a maximum length of 2,000 words.

Entries must be typed, double-spaced, and formatted in a minimum 12-point font size. Additionally, all stories must be written in English. The deadline for submissions is set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 23:59.

For more information on the contest and submission guidelines, interested writers can visit the Grande Prairie Public Library’s events page. The initiative not only showcases local literary talent but also enriches the community’s cultural landscape through storytelling.