For Immediate Release: September 22, 2006

Teen Rap & Poetry Contest Announced:
Plus Free Workshops to Prepare Submissions

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(Oakland, CA)—Teenagers aged 12 to 19 are invited to submit original poems and raps for a brand new contest offered by the Dimond Branch of Oakland Public Library. The deadline to submit up to three raps or poems is Friday, November 17, 2006. Gift certificates totaling over $100 will be awarded to the three poems or raps selected as the winners, and all poems/raps have a chance to be published in a Teen Chapbook. Additionally, the Dimond Branch will offer free Thursday workshops on October 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, where teens can write and polish their best work in preparation for the contest.

First prize in the Rap and Poetry Contest is a $50 gift certificate to Amoeba Music. Second prize is a $35 gift certificate to Jack London Cinemas in downtown Oakland. Third prize is a $20 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstore. No performance of poetry/raps is required to enter or win. All teens, ages 12 to 19, with an Oakland Public Library card are welcome to participate. Library cards are free to most people who come into an Oakland Library to apply, no need to live in Oakland.

To submit up to three poems or raps to the contest, complete your submission by Friday, November 17 and bring it in or mail your poems/raps to Giovanna Capone at the Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland, CA 94602, or you can email them to gcapone@oaklandlibrary.org. Be sure to include your name, age, phone number and email address (if you have one) on your submission.

For more information, please call (510) 482-7844, or see the Library's Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. To request sign interpretation, or other accommodation, call the number above or (510) 834-7446 (TTY) at least five working days prior to the dates for the workshop. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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