To promote all of the programs at the Bradford Area Public Library, library staff are asking patrons to write a short essay describing how they have been affected by the library.

This contest is open to any library patron ages 12 and up. The essay can cover how the library has affected the writer or the life of the writer’s child, what the library offers to this community or a personal experience in the library that improved or influenced the writer’s life.

The essay should be 250 to 350 words, and handed in at the front desk of the library no later than Oct. 13.

Gift certificates will be awarded to the top two winners from the youth and adult categories. Participants are asked to indicate the category on their entries.

All questions should be directed to director@bradfordlibrary.org.