Don't miss your chance to meet Ruth Jones

As Ruth Jones said at the launch of the first ever Welsh libraries arts competition "In the words of Madonna go for it and Express Yourself!"

We are now half way through the competition and entries are flooding in to libraries and via the web site library.wales.org/artscomp/ The closing date is 1st December 2009, so don't miss your chance of winning up to £500 and meeting TV celebrity Ruth Jones – our Welsh libraries champion.

Welsh libraries are encouraging everyone to show off their creative skills – the theme is 'libraries' but can be interpreted in any way you like, whether it is creative writing, dancing, drama, music, animation, painting, photography, drawing or sculpture – the choice is yours!

Ruth Jones added: "Libraries are really inspiring places in themselves and this competition is really exciting as you can just let your imagination run free! You could write a romantic story, sculpt a library cake or even choreograph 'the dance of the librarians'! If you're looking for ideas and inspiration then the best place to start is your local library. Go and see for yourself how much they have changed, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised."

The competition is open to everyone – simply choose the category that suits you – primary schools, secondary schools, individuals, voluntary or community organisations, and students in further or higher education. You don't even need to be a member of a library to enter! You can even enter more than one piece of work in different categories if you wish!

As well as having the chance to win prizes from £50-£500; the finalists will be invited to an awards event on 25th February at the Senedd in Cardiff where they will get the chance to meet actress and writer Ruth Jones and have their work displayed nationally.

For your chance to win up to £500 and meet Ruth Jones call into your local library or visit library.wales.org/artscomp/ and get your hands on the entry pack which will give you full details of how to enter.

The closing date for all entries is 1st December 2009.