***Find the 2025/2026 Full Contest Information Packet Here***

Helen Stein Shack Picture Book Award

This annual contest calls for teens & tweens in grades 6 through 12 who live in the Three Village Central School District to create a children’s picture book. Winning authors will receive a monetary prize, have their book bound and added to the Library’s Local Focus Collection, and be recognized at an awards ceremony.

This annual award which showcases the young writing and artistic talent in Three Village is given in memory of Helen Stein Shack by her family. As a teacher, Mrs. Shack was committed to the education of children, and she especially loved literature written for them. She was a frequent visitor to Emma Clark Library where, even in retirement, she kept current with the latest children’s books. The library is grateful to the children of the late Mrs. Shack who have established a substantial endowment with the library to cover the ongoing cost of presenting this annual award.

Emma Clark employees, trustees, and members of their household are not eligible to enter.

Click here to view the winning entries or to purchase copies
(Use passcode HelenSteinShack )