A note especially for teachers!

TEACHERS, PLEASE NOTE!!

(and this is taken directly from the Letters about Literature website . . .)

• Please do not assign the same book to an entire class as this misses the spirit of the program — identifying a personal relationship with an author and/or book. Likewise, rather than assigning the same opening paragraph or topic sentences, encourage students to express themselves individually.

• Mail class sets in one flat envelope rather than submitting letters letters individually. When mailing class sets, please include a list of names of individuals whose letters are enclosed. IN ADDITION, please ensure that EACH LETTER HAS ITS OWN ENTRY COUPON. Do not submit one entry coupon for an entire class, because letters are separated from their class sets during the various rounds of assessment.

• Although we cannot acknowledge receipt of letters, we LOVE your cover letters. Your feedback is critical for our program's effectiveness as well as testimony for our funders. Additionally, a cover letter is a great way to ensure that you are put on the LAL mail list for next year.

• OWNERSHIP. All letters become the property of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Please make a copy of your entry as no letters will be returned.

• NOTIFICATION. We regret that we cannot contact every participant who enters. However, an accurate E-MAIL ADDRESS will help us keep in contact with you. Please refer to the www.loc.gov/letters website for program updates throughout the year as well as a note regarding our privacy policy! State Centers for the Book will notify state winners on or about 3/30/2011. The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will notify National Winner and National Honorable Honors Winners by May 1, 2011.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A Purchase will not enhance your chances of winning. MANY WILL ENTER, FEW WILL WIN. Open to Legal Residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C. enrolled as a student in grades 4–12 during 2010/2011 school year, 9 years of age or older as of 9/1/09. Contest Starts 9/1/10 and ends 12/22/10. See below for entry information. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules.