CELEBRATING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK (APRIL 6-APRIL 12, 2025)
This National Library Week (April 6-April 12, 2025), we’re turning up the volume with our theme ‘I’m With The Library.’
Inspired by the legendary phrase ‘I’m with the band,’ this year’s theme is all about embracing the rebellious spirit of rock & roll – because libraries, much like music, have the power to change lives and build connections.
Libraries are where creativity thrives, where outsiders find their crowd, and where knowledge is freely available to everyone.
To celebrate, we’re inviting all rockers, songwriters, and music lovers to join our music contest! Write and perform an original song inspired by libraries – whether it’s about the stories that shaped you, the freedom to express yourself, or just how much you love the library.
The winner will be able to record their song in our Recording Studio, and have their song featured on our website and social media platforms. Plus, they will receive a $150 gift card to Guitar Center!
We are so excited to celebrate the power of libraries and music together for National Library Week in April.
Because… what’s more punk rock than the public library?
MUSIC CONTEST GUIDELINES & SUBMISSION DETAILS
Calling all music lovers! In celebration of National Library Week, we’re inviting you to write your own original library-themed song for a chance to win a prize and record in our recording studio.
Eligibility:
- Open to all ages.
- Individual and group submissions are welcome.
- Participants must have a valid library card from the Huntley Area Public Library.
Submission Guidelines:
- Write and perform a 30 second to 1–minute original library-themed song – whether it’s about the stories that shaped you, the freedom to express yourself, or just how much you love the library!
- Entries can be of any genre (rock, pop, folk, classical, hip-hop, etc.) but must include lyrics.
- All lyrics must be appropriate for general public use and original. (Note: the music does not have to be original, but all lyrics must be original.) Submissions that violate copyright law will be rejected.
- Submissions can be through an audio file (recorded through voice memo app, recording software, etc.) or video file (video recording of you playing the song).
- Submit your song to asherwood@huntleylibrary.org with the following information:
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- Name(s) of performer(s)
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- Library card number
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- Song title
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- Phone number
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- A transcript of the lyrics.
By submitting, participants grant the library the express right to share their work on the library’s website, social media, and promotional materials. The library reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet the library’s guidelines.
Deadline for Submission:
Submissions open on Sunday, April 6.
Submit your song by Wednesday, April 9.
Winners will be announced by Saturday, April 12.
Please do not submit your entries before Sunday, April 6. Any entries submitted before April 6 will not be accepted.
Judging Criteria:
Your song will be evaluated by library staff based on
- Creativity & Originality
- Music Quality & Performance
- Relevance to the Theme
All participants agree that the library staff shall be the sole and final judge for all submissions.
Prizes:
All patrons who enter the music contest will receive a special HAPL ‘I’m with the Library’ mini tote bag.
The winner will receive a $150 gift card to Guitar Center, plus the opportunity to record their song with Joe Klaw, our Recording Studio Technician, in our Recording Studio. Their song will also be posted on the HAPL website and social media.
For questions, contact Aris Sherwood, Head of Marketing, at asherwood@huntleylibrary.org or 847.669.5386 ext. 235
