As part of Potterfest in July, The Mercer Island Reporter, Mercer Island Library, Island Books and the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department are holding a writing contest for youth and teens in three age groups: 10-12; 13-15; and 16-19.

Stories should begin with the following phrase: “Across the shimmering waters, the Island… .”

First-place winners from each group will have their stories printed in the Reporter and win other prizes.

Rules:

? Stories can be about any place, person, creature or anything you can imagine. Entries must be original work. Please, no characters or details taken from other books.

? Under 500 words.

? Typed, double-spaced in 1.2-point font on regular-size paper

? Include the author’s name, address, phone number and birth date on a separate title page.

Winners will be announced at the Potterfest outdoor film on evening of July 15 at Mercerdale Park.

The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, June 3. Send entries to:

Mercer Island Public Library

Enchanted Island Writing Contest

4400 88th Ave. S.E.

Mercer Island, WA 98040

Call Daniel Masler at 236-3537 for more information.