​Illinois students from kindergarten through high school can help celebrate the state’s bicentennial by using their imaginations and artistic skills in a contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The contest theme is “Happy Birthday, Illinois.” Students can explore that theme by drawing or painting anything they want, from famous moments in Illinois history to Lincoln eating birthday cake. Artwork may be submitted until December 15, 2017. The winning pieces will be displayed at the Lincoln Presidential Library throughout the bicentennial year of 2018. Click here for details.

​Are you an aspiring writer? If so, challenge yourself by participating in the National Novel Writing Month's program. NaNoWriMo values "enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel."  Starting November 1, participants have one month to write a 50,000 word novel.​