The State Library of Louisiana is partnering with the Collaborative Summer Library Program to launch the 2012 Louisiana Teen Video Challenge, the state qualifier for a national competition that encourages teens to get involved with reading and their public libraries’ summer reading program. The contest is an opportunity for teens to showcase their creativity and have their ideas heard before a national audience

To enter, contestants must create 30-to-90-second videos with their unique interpretation of the 2012 summer reading slogan “Own the Night” in the context of reading and libraries. The program’s goal is to involve teens in the process so they are more aware of reading throughout the year.

Creators of the winning state video will be awarded $275 and their associated public library will receive prizes worth $150. All prizes are provided by the CSLP. The winning video from each state or territory will be named as one of the CSLP 2012 Teen Videos, promoting summer reading nationwide. Winners will be announced in spring 2012.

The CSLP is a grassroots consortium of 50 states, Washington D.C., American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands working together to provide children, teens and families with a summer reading program and promotional materials for public libraries.

For full details, Louisiana teens may visit www.state.lib.la.us/ and search for 2012 Video Challenge.

To view the 2011 winning videos visit the CSLP “2011 Winners Page” at www.cslpreads.org/winners.html.