Book experts say libraries are perfect places for children to seek inspiration and follow in the footsteps of Swansea’s most famous son.
Swansea Council library bosses are urging children to enter the first ever Finding Dylan competition and make their own mark on the literary world.
The competition is now open and is aimed at all of Swansea’s year six children who have just left primary school.
Children are asked to write an essay, poem or diary of no more than 1,000 words on any of the following subjects: My Summer, My Team, My Swansea or My Wales.
Swansea Council is behind the competition in association with the University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize.
Steve Hardman, Swansea Council’s Head of Library Services, said: “Children can use libraries as inspiration for their competition entries by accessing a variety of books, poems and information about Dylan Thomas as well as examples of his work.
“Our libraries also have seating areas where children can sit, think and write and we hope the competition will inspire children to think imaginatively about the place they live.
“Swansea is a very vibrant city and the themes of the competition allow children to base their writing around their own experiences. The competition also gives children the opportunity to base their story in fact or fiction and, if they need some inspiration, then their local library is a great place start.”
Finding Dylan is being supported by Travel House and the winner will pick up a family break to Disneyland in Paris.
Entries can be submitted in hand-written or email form but must be in by September 5 this year.
A short-list will then be announced in mid-October before the winner is unveiled at a special ceremony on November 9.
Have a look at www.dylanthomasprize.com for application details.
