Library Foundation celebrates writers at “Reading is Revolutionary” contest reception
(3-minute read)
Families and friends filled the Reading Public Library on the evening of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, to celebrate the writers recognized in the Reading Public Library Foundation’s writing contest. There was ice cream for everyone to enjoy and a warm crowd on hand to cheer the honorees.
About the contest
Families and friends gather in the library’s Community Room to celebrate the writers recognized in the contest. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
To mark a milestone year, the Foundation invited writers of all ages to take part: children ages 6 and up, teens and adults. Participants could submit up to five pages of poetry, memoir, fiction, or nonfiction that fit the theme, “Reading is Revolutionary.” Submissions were due July 22 and judged by a panel for each age group. More information is available on the Reading Public Library website.
A celebration of summer creativity
Librarian Olivia McElwain led the evening, handing out prizes and giving winners the chance to read their work aloud. She told the crowd how much it means to celebrate creativity in the summer, adding that she loved reading through the submissions.
Pat Egan, president of the Reading Public Library Foundation, thanked participants and supporters for helping the library, noting that the Foundation’s work makes possible bigger projects like the Library Terrace and the book bike. He said he loves running the contest because it brings people into the library and gets them using it, and that he was genuinely impressed reviewing the youngest writers’ submissions. He also reminded the audience that there are more libraries than McDonald’s locations in the country, and encouraged everyone to keep it that way.
The winners
Two teens took top honors in the Teen Writing contest. Erin Mentz was recognized with the Best Overall Award for her short story “Reading is Revolutionary,” and Samantha Poon for her poem “The Heart of Revolution.” Poon, honored as Most Likely to Be on the New York Times Best Sellers List, read her poem aloud, including the memorable line “History refuses to become dust.”
In the children’s contest, Franny Geiste was recognized for her short story “Reading is Revolutionary” and Phoebe White for her nonfiction piece “The World of Books.” Both were unable to attend the reception. Siblings Saanj and Saray Teraiya also took part, entering the children’s contests. Saanj took home the Teamwork Award with his friend Jane Kyte for their submission “Reading Rocks.”
The contest submissions will be added to the Reading Public Library’s collection; residents can view them at the library.
Teen Writing Contest winners Erin Mentz (left) and Samantha Poon (right) hold their certificates at the Reading Public Library Foundation’s reception. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Siblings Saray (left) and Saanj (right) stand together to commemorate their writing. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
