Workshop will precede W. Jordan writing contest

WEST JORDAN -- Sharpen those pencils, dust off the old typewriters or log into a good word-processing program: It's time for the annual West Jordan creative writing contest.The West Jordan Arts Council will host a workshop for local writers Saturday to help them hone their skills. It will run from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on the third floor of the West Jordan City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Road.

Workshop attendees can hear award-winning authors like Rick Walton, Rebecca Shelly and Carolyn Campbell discuss a range of topics, including how to overcome writer's block, poetry made simple and writing personal and family histories.

Interested writers can preregister for $10 by Tuesday at the city offices, or for $15 at the door. Registrations may be hand-delivered, mailed or phoned into Arlene Farley in the city offices at 561-5100.

The theme for the Y2K writing contest is "Dawn of a New Millennium," and contests are invited to submit entries in three categories: Essays, short stories and poetry. Age divisions in the competition include 12 years and under, 13-18 years, 19-65 years and seniors.

Entries must be submitted at City Hall no later than June 30. Winners will receive cash prizes and will be honored at a reception Sept. 23.

The literary works will be judged on relevancy to the theme this year as well as originality, creativity, literary content and writing ability.

Submission forms with more detailed information about the writing contest are available at the city offices and in the West Jordan and Bingham Creek libraries.

Additional information is available from Diane Jessop at 561-5141or from the city offices at 569-5100.

S.L. Main Library's book bins moved for demolition work

Book drop bins for the Salt Lake City Main Library haven't disappeared during a demolition project in preparation for construction of a new library. They have just moved a little farther south.

Previously situated on the east side of 200 East between 400 South and 500 South, the bins were moved so they wouldn't be in the way of equipment that last week began tearing down buildings and parking structures on the block just east of the Salt Lake City-County Building.

The book drop bins are now on the same side of the street, closer to 500 South and near parking meter stalls for the handicapped, Dana Tumpowsky, community relations librarian, said Tuesday. The bins are emptied at least four times daily.

The demolition project is under way to clear the block between 200 East and 300 East and 400 South and 500 South for construction of a new library and other facilities. The library at 209 E. 500 South will not be razed. The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (including City Council members) has issued a request for proposals on a tenant for the existing library.

3 organizations coordinating free income-tax assistance

Volunteers from VITA, AARP and H&R Block will provide free income-tax assistance at several Salt Lake City libraries through April 15.

VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Those interested should bring their federal tax package received in the mail, employer's W-2 form, Social Security numbers for all family members over age 1, receipts for medical expenses, information on interest earnings, taxes and contributions, child-care provider's name and address, identification number and amount paid, a copy of the 1999 tax return and other pertinent information.

Here's a list of libraries, addresses and volunteer groups: Main Library, second floor meeting room, 209 E. 500 South -- AARP, 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays through April 12; VITA, 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 7-April 10; H&R Block, 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, and Thursday, April 20.

Anderson-Foothill Branch Library, 1135 S. 2100 East -- AARP, 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays through April 12.

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Chapman Branch Library, 577 S. 900 West -- AARP, noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays through April 13.

Day-Riverside Branch Library, 1575 W. 1000 North -- AARP, 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays through April 13.

Sweet Branch Library, 455 F St. -- VITA, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 1 through April 15.

Call the library system at 524-8200 for information.

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