The Newton County Library System will host the "River of Words" display, a free international poetry and art contest on the theme of watersheds, from July 2-14.

River of Words, in cooperation with The Library of Congress Center, holds the annual contest for participants ages 5 through 19.

The contest is used to encourage youth participants explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live and to express it through artistic expression.

On the River of Words' website, it is described as a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach to education that nurtures students' creative voices through instruction and practice in art and poetry.

In Georgia, the winners have the opportunity to have their works reproduced. They become a part of a traveling exhibit hosted by the Georgia Center for the Book. The display travels to different libraries throughout the state.

The Newton County Library System has hosted the display at different branches in the past. This year, the display is available for viewing at the main Covington branch library.

For more information about 2012 River of Words Georgia contest rules, entry forms, galleries and past state winners, visit gaprojectwet.org/gawet_row.html.

The Newton County Library System-Covington Branch is located at 7116 Floyd Street NE in Covington.