Now that October is almost here, it’s time for Kenosha Public Library’s annual Youth Scary Story Contest.  If you’re in grades PreK through 12, you could win fame and fortune - just write us a story that uses our theme and scares our pants off!

This year’s theme…

…is LOST.

Let your imagination run wild!  Consider:

• Your character has lost something that could save their life.
• Someone important to your character is missing.
• Losing an object is the only way to save your character from it.
• Your character is lost.

Looking for inspiration?  Check out our list of stories about lost people and things!  Some are scary, some are not.  You can also test out our scary story idea generator and see if it sparks your imagination.

How does this work?

1. Be a kid or teen in Kenosha County (or with an active SHARE library card) between PreK and twelfth grade.
2. Write an original story involving the theme.
3. Submit your story at any Kenosha Public Library location, including the Bookmobile, or enter online.
4. We’ll judge the entries and choose the scariest stories!

What are the rules?

1. You must write a scary story up to 500 words long.  We will accept 1 story per participant, so send us your best work!  We'd prefer a typed story, but we will accept handwritten stories. 
   • NOTE:  If you can't yet write, a grownup can write down your story for you.
2. The theme for this year's story is LOST. Your story can be about anything you like, but it should be scary, and someone or something should be lost or in danger of being lost.
3. Your story must be your own original work, including the text, characters, and settings you use. No fanfiction and no AI assistance, please!
4. Your story must use language that is library appropriate.

Stories that do not follow these rules will be disqualified.

What can I win?

Winners will receive a gift card as a prize. If chosen, you must be able to pick up your prize at one of our library branches.  If you give us permission, we’ll also publish your story on the Kenosha Public Library website for all to read.

What else do I need to know?

• All entries must be received before November 1st.
• Entries will be judged on originality, creativity, quality of writing, adherence to contest rules, and scariness! Judges' decisions are final. 
• Entries will not be returned. Please make a copy of your spooky story before turning it in. 
• Entries may be turned in at any branch of the library, including the Bookmobile, or virtually using this form (https://mykpl.us/2025youthscarystorycontest). 

If you have questions, or you run into trouble uploading your entry, please email amyraeweaver@mykpl.info.  

We’ll be looking forward to the terrifying tales you cook up!