Voices of Roseland Community Writing Project

Connect Roseland to the broader American experience!

The Friends of the Roseland Free Public Library invite Roseland residents of all ages to participate in a community writing project to celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Storytellers are invited to submit an original story focusing on their personal stories of family, immigration, service, struggle, pride, and belonging that connect Roseland to the broader American experience. The 2026 Roseland Voices
Writing Project will culminate in a published compilation of stories and a festive celebration with food, music, readings and reflection. The Project rules are as follows:

 Writers may be adults, seniors, teens, and children
 Entries should be original stories reflecting what America and their community means to them through a personal narrative.
 Stories may be essays, personal narratives, poetry or letters.
 The suggested length is between 300 and 1,000 words.
 Stories must be typed or legibly hand-written on 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
 Entries should have a cover page with the story’s title and the author’s name.
 Previously published stories may not be submitted.
 All stories will be compiled into a booklet titled Roseland Voices, Stories for
America's 250th.
 An editorial committee will identify stories that are particularly moving and
designate them Featured Stories in the booklet. The booklet will be available at the library as part of the library's local history collection.
 Featured contributors will be invited to read their work at the celebration.
 Residents should keep a copy of their story. Entries will not be returned.
 The deadline for entries is Monday, May 15th.
Stories should be submitted in person or be sent to the following:
roselandvoices@gmail.com

Roseland Library
Attn: Friends of the Library
20 Roseland Ave.
Roseland, NJ 07068
For more information, please call the Roseland Library at 973-226-8636.