Young authors are invited to put pen to paper - or finger to keyboard, if they are so inclined - to participate in the Waterdown and Carlisle libraries' Summer Short Story Contest.

The competition is open to kids ages 12 and under, and submissions of original material must be no longer than 500 words in length. When it comes to subject matter, the sky's the limit, but organizers of this year's summer reading club remind participants that the theme is LOL (Laugh Out Loud), so they're hoping to get in a few chuckles while judging the entries.

Submissions can be handwritten or typed, and illustrations are welcome. And neatness and spelling should be checked.

Entry forms are available at the Waterdown and Carlisle libraries, and can be submitted along with stories at either branch.

The deadline is August 18. Three winners will be announced on August 18 and each will receive a fun summer prize pack. The judges' top pick will also be featured in the Flamborough Review.

For further information on the Summer Short Story contest, visit the Carlisle or Waterdown library.