The Robeson County Public Library will host the Book ‘Em North Carolina 2013 Short Story Contest. The contest is open to all youths in Robeson County and begins on Oct. 1. The deadline for short story submissions is Dec. 7.

The theme is “The Power of Inspiration.” Youths may write a short story that includes an element of inspiration or describes what personally inspires them. Any genre is acceptable — as long as it’s prose, not poetry — and inspiration is involved in the storyline.

There will be six categories based on age. Word counts for each category are as follows: for kindergarteners through second-graders, it’s 25 to 50 words; for third- through fourth-graders, it’s 50 to 100 words; for fifth- through sixth-graders, it’s 100 to 200 words; for seventh through eighth graders, it’s 200 to 350 words; for ninth- through 10th-graders, it’s 350 to 450 words; and for 11th- through 12th-graders, it’s 400 to 500 words.

Youths may submit their short stories at any of the Robeson County Public Library’s locations in Lumberton, Pembroke, Fairmont, Maxton, Red Springs, St. Pauls and Rowland.

Robeson Community College will host the college-level short story contest. If you are interested in the college-level contest, contact Crystal Edmonds at Robeson Community College. For questions about the kindergarten through 12th-grade short story contest, contact Katie Huneycutt at the library.

Entries will be judged by a panel of library staff members. Prizes will be awarded based on creativity, grammar and storytelling skills.

Prizes will be donated by local businesses. Biggs Park Mall will award each winner a $25 gift certificate. Winners will be announced on Jan. 7, 2013, at a 4 p.m. reception at the Robeson County Public Library in Lumberton. Prizes will be awarded on stage at the Book ‘Em North Carolina event on Feb. 23, 2013, at Robeson Community College.

The Book ‘Em North Carolina annual event brings together at least 75 authors under one roof to speak on a variety of subjects, and to sell their books. A portion of the proceeds raised from the event is given to the community for the purpose of increasing literacy and reducing crime.

The event is free and open to the public. All ages are encouraged to attend. There will be authors with children’s books as well as authors from a large variety of genres: mystery/suspense, romance, historical, non-fiction, and much more.

The Book ‘Em North Carolina 2013 event features New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe and Hollywood producer-director-actor Chuck Williams.

Beginning the first week in September, story times will be held on the following days: Mondays in Pembroke at 10 a.m.; Tuesdays in St. Pauls at 11 a.m. and Red Springs at 4 p.m.; Wednesdays in Maxton at 11 a.m.; Thursdays in Fairmont at 10 a.m. and Rowland at 11 a.m.; and Fridays in Lumberton at 10 a.m.

Teens are invited to watch “The Hunger Games” movie on Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. in the Osterneck Auditorium. Sixth- through 12th-graders are welcome to attend.

Children may enjoy watching Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” movie on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. in the Osterneck Auditorium

Beginning in September the library will be offering basic skills computer classes on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. On Sept. 4 and Sept. 18, the class will be an introduction to Microsoft Word 2007. Participants will learn how to create and manage files, how to edit and format documents and how to save and print documents.

On Sept. 11 and Sept. 25 the class will focus on creating an email account with tips on how to optimize your email persona for job searching. Both offerings are intended for those with little or no computer experience. Knowledge of the keyboard and/or the ability to type is recommended. Class sizes are limited and require registration.

To register, call the Lumberton Library at 910-738-4859.

Katie Huneycutt is the youth services librarian of Robeson County Public Library. You may reach her at 910-738-4859 or at khuneycutt@robesoncountylibrary.org