Quad City area libraries are offering teens an opportunity to hone their video skills this spring with the 2nd Annual “Teen YouTube Video Contest.” 

Between now and March 14, teens are encouraged to create a 3-5 minute video, using one of the following themes as related to their favorite book:

-outtakes

-a book trailer

-a missing scene/unwritten scene

Next, they can upload the video to the Quad City Libraries YouTube website:www.youtube.com/group/qclibraries.

Finally, to be entered into the contest, teens should submit an official entry form to their favorite library.

Entries will be judged by area library staff, and winners will be revealed at the 2nd Annual “Teen Film Festival Red Carpet Screening Event” at the Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre. Two winners will be chosen – one video as the “Librarian’s Choice,” and the another as the “Viewer’s Choice.” Both will receive a $100 cash prize.  Other awards will be given to the makers of the most creative, entertaining, and best quality videos.

To help participants with their projects, there is a one-time workshop here at Bettendorf Public Library on Windows Moviemaker on Thursday, March 12th 2009 at 3:30.

Davenport Public Liubrary will also host demostration events. On Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30 p.m., teens can participate in a two hour, hands-on workshop, teaching them how to use video cameras, video-editing software, and other devices that will help them become the next great Martin Scorsese. There are also numerous “Movie Maker Lab” sessions on the following dates/times: Tuesdays, February 24 and March 10, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, February 26, March 5, and March 12, from 3 – 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, February 21, February 28, and March 7, from 3 – 5 p.m. The Labs are an opportunity for teens to work on their projects, using the Library’s technology. All of these sessions are free for all Quad City teens.

The presentation of the “Teen YouTube Video Contest” winners will happen at the Putnam Museum and IMAX® Theatre on Thursday, March 26, beginning        at 6:00 p.m. with a Premiere Party for teens. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., teens will walk the red-carpet into the IMAX® Theatre, where hundreds of local fans will be waiting to view the world premiere of their videos. More information about this grand event will be forthcoming.

The “Teen YouTube Video Contest” and related workshop was created in 2008 as a way to promote “Teen Tech Week,” a national initiative sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). This year, Teen Tech Week runs from March 8 – 14, and is aimed at teens, parents, educators, and other concerned adults that want to ensure teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries. Technology includes DVDs, databases, audio-books, and videogames. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use the Library’s non-print resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. This year’s Teen Tech Week theme is “Press Play @ Your Library.”

The “Teen YouTube Video Contest” is sponsored locally by Libraries Together, a consortium of the four public libraries in Scott County – Bettendorf Public Library, Davenport Public Library, LeClaire Community Library, and the Scott County Library System. Illinois Quad City libraries are also participating. Contact your local library for more details.