Young authors honored in annual writing contest

The Crook County Library Foundation sponsors the Mary Hadley Memorial Young Author’s Contest annually, in memory of local author Mary Hadley. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Mary grew up on the beach but always wanted to be a cowboy.

That dream came true when she married Bob Hadley in 1949. They spent their life together running ranches in Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming and raising seven children.

Later in life, Mary found enough time to capture some of her experiences in stories and articles. She especially liked to write – and read – children’s books. “Children suspend disbelief,” she...