Looking for something to do now that Seattle's rainy season has settled in? The Washington State Library is sponsoring two contests with the Washington Center for the Book this winter. Try your hand at making a zine about Washington state history, or writing a letter to your favorite author - there just might be some prizes in store for your rainy day pursuits!

Historical Zines
Participants in The Historical Zine Contest are asked to create a zine about some aspect of Washington history. The contest is open to Washington residents from fourth grade up. Categories are grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12 and adults. One will winner will be chosen from each category and awarded $75. Learn how to make a zine, and view past entries. The entry deadline is Friday, Dec. 15.

Letters About Literature
The Letters About Literature contest asks students to write letters to their favorite authors, living or dead, and explain how a particular book by the author changed their view of the world or themselves. The contest, sponsored by the Washington Center for the Book, is for school children and home-schooled students in grades 4-12.  The deadline is Friday, Jan. 12, 2018.

"Letters About Literature is a great contest for kids and teens because it encourages them to look within themselves to find the reasons why they were inspired by a favorite book or why it made them think in different ways," said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. "Students submit so many incredible, heartwarming letters, and I look forward to reading them each year."