May 8, 2026
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The New Orleans Public Library and Junior League of New Orleans partner to provide monthly period supply kits for free.
'It Made Me Feel Like I Belong': Library Writing Contest Anthology Affirms, Amplifies, and Celebrates Local Voices
Essie Linzy is a New Orleans-based poet, musician, and teaching artist. Last year, her passion for writing was “reignited” on the same day she received an email from the New Orleans Public Library announcing the return of their Summer Fun Writing Contest.
“The synchronicity led me to believe that I had to submit a poem, and I’m glad that I did,” Linzy said.
The contest’s theme was “renewal.” Linzy’s poem, “Ida,” would go on to win second place in the poetry category, but she said her choice to submit immediately paid off, long before she knew the contest results.
“In that act alone, I felt renewed,” Linzy said.
Originally from Chicago, Linzy said the Library was one of her first stops when she moved to New Orleans five years ago.
“On the very first day I moved into my apartment here, the first thing I did was get a Library card,” she said.
Earlier this year, the New Orleans Public Library and the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library joined forces to publish the winning contest entries in an anthology titled Renewed. The book features 10 short stories and 10 poems, including Linzy’s, who read her entry at the Library’s book release party in February.
Linzy said being a part of the collection helped affirm her place in the city’s literary community.
“New Orleans has taught me so much about community and resilience,” she said “And I am overjoyed to be a part of such a vibrant and talented community. This experience was my first step back into believing I belong here.”
Short story writers Ryan Leavitt, Marrus, and Ann Henley Brown also read their work at the book party, as did poet Arynne Fannin, who won first place in the category for her piece, And when it finally happens, what then.
“I was so honored to be part of this anthology. The publishing world is a hugely competitive market, so for the Library to be giving a voice to local writers through this book is wonderful,” Fannin said. “It gives ownership to local voices, I think. It shows that the Library values our work and our perspectives enough to invest in, and that’s truly something special.”
Leavitt’s short story, The Heads-Up, won third place in its category.
“I feel I write some quirky stuff. This was the first short story that hadn’t been rejected for publication,” Leavitt said. “I had never read a story of mine in front of a crowd before, so that was a great feeling. It allowed me to connect with people in the community who wouldn’t have heard of me otherwise.”
Ann Henely Brown is a longtime participant of the Library’s writing contest. Her story, The Dancing Queen, came in first place. Though she’s submitted and placed in many Library writing contests, the Renewed anthology marks Brown’s first time seeing her work published in a Library book.
“It was such an honor and awesome pleasure to be included in the Library Renewed Anthology,” she said. “Like our Library slogan attests, reading and writing transforms lives, enriches our communities, and preserves our fascinating history. I am grateful for my small role in this endeavor.”
Adult programming librarians Rachel Bailey and Shelby Goddard organized the Summer Fun Writing Contest and led the way for the anthology’s publication, as well as the launch party. Bailey, the Library’s head of adult programming, called the event “a joyful and meaningful event.”
“It was wonderful to see so many writers and their friends and family all gathered together to celebrate its release. It was really exciting for us to see this work float off into the world to continuously be enjoyed, read, and celebrated all over the city,” Bailey said.
The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library sponsored the book’s publication and the release party. Executive director Shannan Cvitanovic said that by creating a new volume every year, this anthology will help amplify and encourage local voices.
“To see these talented local writers reading their works aloud to the crowd was a thrill. Even better was seeing them read from physical copies of the anthology, which has been a labor of love for our adult services librarians,” Cvitanovic said. “We are already looking forward to next year’s edition.”
All writers featured in Renewed were gifted free copies of the collection, as were those who attended the book launch party. Print and e-book copies are available for check-out from the Library.
Goddard edited and formatted the book with Pressbooks, an online self-publishing tool available for free to New Orleans Public Library cardholders. In her role at the Library, Goddard works closely with the local writing community and is proud this project will introduce their voices into the Library’s permanent collection.
“I love coordinating our creative writing programs, and I think it’s wonderful we were able to find a tangible way to show our appreciation for the work that they do,” Goddard said. “I hope our writers feel seen, heard, and valued and that the publication of this book encourages more people to put their work out into the world.”
Goddard and Bailey are already planning the 2024 Summer Fun Writing Contest, which will run from June 1 to July 31. Details and themes will be announced this spring.
May 4, 2026
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Since 1957, the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library have been standing up for the Library’s mission through sponsorship, fundraising, and advocacy work.
May 1, 2026
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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to celebrate, we’re taking a look through our City Archives & Special Collections to honor the history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the New Orleans area.