In the past, Rapid City Public Library organizers have successfully tapped into the community's established readers with their Big Read events. This year, organizers are targeting students, too.

"We want to reach out into the schools more," Susan Braunstein, youth services program librarian, said.

The first event of the library's Big Read program will be a challenge to area middle school and high school students to show off their creativity. Students ages 11 to 18 can reveal their moviemaking, artistic and writing talents for a variety of prizes in a series of three contests.

"We're hoping that dozens of students will take the opportunity to enter. It's the first time that we've tried something like this," Braunstein said.

The library will host an essay contest, video contest and art contest based on the themes of Ray Bradbury's classic science fiction novel "Fahrenheit 451." Prizes will be awarded to the three top winners in each of the divisions. Prizes including a digital camera, MP3 players, gift certificates and art supplies will be awarded on May 3, World Press Freedom Day.

The Big Read, a national program to promote literacy and inspire reading and discussion in 127 communities nationwide - including eight from South Dakota -will showcase Bradbury's futuristic tale. "Fahrenheit 451," a National Book Award winner, is about a society in which the government has rendered its citizens insensible through drugs and home video walls that have replaced life experiences and diminished social interactions. Books are forbidden because they are deemed to promote independent thinking and controversy. Fire departments exist to ferret out and burn any remaining books hidden by defiant book lovers. Using Bradbury's futuristic themes, the Rapid City Public Library has originated the following three contests for students:

* Video Contest: A 15-minute or shorter video on the theme "Freedom to Read." Videos will be judged by Milt Lee, a Black Hills filmmaker and owner of Many Kites Press, which he owns and operates with his wife, author Jamie Lee. Awards for winning videos include a digital camera for first place and MP3 players for second and third place.

* Essay Contest: "If I Could Save Only One Book, It Would Be ______." In 800 words or less, students are asked to write about a favorite book and its importance to the student and to society. Awards are Borders gift certificates for $75, $50, and $25 for first, second and third places, respectively.

* Art Contest: Original artwork inspired by Fahrenheit 451, which can include poster board, three-dimensional sculpture, pottery, paper art, oil paintings, watercolor or acrylics. Awards are: First, Derwent set of fine art pencils in wooden case; second, Reeves watercolor set; third, set of drawing pencils and large sketchpad.

Contest deadline for all entries is April 4. For more information or entry forms, go to www.rapidcitylibrary.com and click on the Teens link.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com