Spring is a time of transformation. Flowers start poking up from the ground and the landscape gradually shifts from gray and brown to green and a multitude of other colors.

As with nature, books have the ability to transform. They spark creativity and new ideas and allow you to walk in someone else’s shoes for a time. For National Library Week this year, we want to know more about what book or story has transformed you.

From March 21 – April 16, we invite you to submit a ‘mini-essay’ to any of our seven libraries. Mini-essays must be 250 words or less and address the question ‘What book has transformed you?’

Entries must include your name, student ID number, email address, phone number, and your primary campus. You may turn your mini-essay in to any of our libraries or submit it online at http://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/nlw2016/contest.

We welcome one entry per person. Only current Madison College students are eligible to win prizes.

As for prizes, we have some great ones this year. The grand prize is a $250 Barnes & Noble gift card for the top mini-essay. First and second runners up will receive a $100 and $50 Barnes and Noble gift card, respectively.

A team of librarians will choose the top essays and announce the winners the week following National Library Week. We look forward to reading your mini-essay and learning how books and stories have transformed the lives of students at the College.

During National Library Week (April 10-16) we are also offering a variety of fun activities:

Monday, April 11: Dogs on Call in the Truax Library, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Stop by and pet some friendly dogs.

Tuesday, April 12: Treats in the Libraries.

Wednesday, April 13: Get a sneak peek of our Truax Library Annex Space. We’ve been hard at work on a space down the hall from the Truax Library. It’ll house a variety of activities including a 3D printer, Lego sets, 3D puzzles, and much more. Come check it out!

All week: Did you know that one of our librarians met Alanis Morissette at the top of the Empire State Building. Learn more fun facts about our librarians throughout National Library Week.

Follow Madison College Libraries on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date on National Library Week happenings.