Works are still being accepted through Dec. 31 for a proposed regional anthology by Libraries of Eastern Oregon (LEO).

“Writing Home: An Eastern Oregon Anthology” will feature prose and poetry on a wide variety of subject matter by writers of all ages from throughout the region , as well as works about Eastern Oregon by outside writers.

The anthology is part of LEO’s regional “A Sense of Place” project which celebrates the arts, sciences and humanities in Eastern Oregon communities through the theme of place and its many meanings.

Submissions of essays, short stories or other prose (5,000 words or less) and poems of any length may be submitted for consideration. Writers of all ages and skills levels are encouraged to participate.

Pieces selected for the anthology may be on any topic, with the connection to “place” in the anthology coming from either the participation of writers who live in Eastern Oregon, or else by reference to Eastern Oregon in works submitted by outside writers.

The anthology is planned to be published in 2009 and will be used as a fund-raiser to help bring programs to public libraries in the region.

Of the 51 public libraries in the 15 rural counties served by LEO, only half a dozen have dedicated funding in their annual budgets for adult community programs. Many of the smaller libraries in the region continue to operate at less than $18 per capita annually – or less than the cost of one hardcover book – and a few are operated solely by volunteers.

To have written materials considered for the anthology, four copies should be sent to any of the following LEO board members and postmarked by Dec. 31, 2008: Jo Cowling, LEO Chair and director of the Cook Memorial Library, 2006 4th Ave., La Grande; Perry Stokes, director, Baker County Library District, 2400 Resort Ave., Baker City; Marie Baldo, director, Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston; or Amy Hutchinson, Lake County Library District director, 513 Center St., Lakeview.

A self-addressed, postage paid return envelope should be included for materials requested to be returned. All entries will be acknowledged in January. A panel of jurists that includes LEO board members and selected published writers will choose pieces to be included in the anthology.

“A Sense of Place” is a two-year project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to increase programs, opportunities for collaboration, and recognition for the region’s public libraries. LEO partners in the project include the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and Oregon Council for the Humanities.

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. See www.imls.gov.

LEO serves Union, Wallowa, Baker, Umatilla, Morrow, Malheur, Harney, Lake, Grant, Crook, Wheeler, Jefferson, Gilliam, Sherman and Wasco counties.

For more information about the anthology or “A Sense of Place”, please contact Cowling at 541-962-1339, Stokes at 541-523-6419, Baldo at 541-567-2882, Hutchinson at 541-947-6419 or LEO exec. director Lyn Craig at 541-763-2355.