BY AMANDA SNYDER

Special to The Pilot

From "Little Peeps on the Prairie" to "Wuthering Peeps," past entries in the Southern Pines Public Library annual "Peeps" Diorama contest have showcased creations of readers who considered favorite works of literature from a different perspective - that of tasty seasonal treats.

The annual contest, sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Teen Advisory Board (TAB), again invites students this spring to create and submit a diorama depicting a favorite book or scene from literature using gooey, sugary marshmallow chicks or rabbits.

All the characters in the scene must be played by peeps, and entries are limited to one per contestant. Entries must be received by 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, and judging will take place Friday, April 5. Prizes will awarded by age group for best in show.

For contest rules and entry forms, visit the library or go online: www.sppl.net.

For those who want to get ahead of the competition, students in grades six through eight are invited to bring a shoe box and work on their peeps dioramas in the library during the "Pizza with Peeps" night Tuesday, March 12, at 5 p.m.

Participants in the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) are also invited to come and help build the dioramas.

"Library staff members and patrons alike look forward to this contest every year," says Lynn Thompson, library director. "We are always so impressed with the books students choose and the inventive ways they depict their favorite scenes. Talking with your children about what they like to read, reading to and with them some each day, and encouraging them in a fun project like the diorama contest - these are all ways parents can help to Grow Great Readers in Southern Pines."

The Southern Pines Public Library is located at 170 West Connecticut Ave. and can be reached by phone at (910) 692-8235 or on the website at www.sppl.net. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Amanda Snyder is assistant director for public services at the Southern Pines Public Library.