Artists of all ages from the Plainfield area are invited and encouraged to take part in the 2013 Great Read community literacy program’s “All About Abe Lincoln Art Contest.”

The 2013 Great Read celebrates the 150^th anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, made in 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation is one of Lincoln’s greatest achievements. It led to the passage of the 13^th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865, which abolished slavery.

Plainfield-area community members are encouraged to read any books about the 16^th president and take part in the Great Read’s numerous fun, historical and educational programs dedicated to Lincoln.

Artists from pre-kindergarten through adult can submit entries in any medium focusing on an idea or scene from the life of Abraham Lincoln. Entries can be up to two feet high and wide, and weigh up to five pounds.

Entries can be dropped off at the artist’s local library by April 16, 2013. Participating libraries include:

• Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield
• Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliffe Road, Bolingbrook
• Shorewood-Troy Public Library, 650 Deerwood Drive, Shorewood
• Joliet Public Library – Black Road Branch, 3395 Black Road, Joliet
• Joliet Junior College Library – 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet

All entries will be digitally displayed and winners will be announced at The Great Read’s Grand Finale at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2013 at the Fountaindale Public Library, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Barnes and Noble gift cards for $25 will be awarded for the top entry in three age groups: pre-k to 5^th grade; 6^th-12^th grades; and 18 and older.

All artwork must be picked up between May 3-9, 2013 at the artist’s local library. Artwork not picked up by 4 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013 will be recycled.

The Great Read is proudly presented by the Plainfield School District 202, the Plainfield, Fountaindale, Joliet and Shorewood-Troy public libraries, Joliet Junior College, Plainfield Township, Troy School District and the Joliet Barnes and Noble store.

Please see The Great Read web site for additional contest rules and submission requirements: www.psd202.org/greatread