Free library classes for teens, plus writing contest news

Today's the start of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg library's Teen Tech Week, and that means branches throughout the county are offering free technology classes all week long. Class topics include digital photography, video game design and a discussion of Scott Westerfeld's "Leviathan."

More information: visit the library's web site, call 704-416-4670 or email theloft@cmlibrary.org.

Novello Festival Press is now taking submissions for its annual Novello Literary Award. They must be postmarked by May 1. The winning author gets a book contract with Novello Festival Press, which includes publication of the work and a $1,000 advance against royalties. The winner will be announced in fall 2010, and the work will be published in fall 2011. Novello Festival Press, a publishing project of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg library, is the nation's only public library-sponsored literary publisher.
Details: Novello Festival Press or 704- 416-0706.

And here's another contest: The Charlotte Writers Club is soliciting submissions from Carolinas residents for its Deanne Ritch Lomax Poetry Prize. Deadline is March 16. Cash awards of $100, $50 and $25 and up to three honorable mentions will be made May 18. More info at Charlotte Writers Club, or contact Ken Burrows, kcburrow@uncc.edu.