elementia Literary Magazine
What is elementia?
elementia is Johnson County Library’s award-winning literary arts magazine, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young adults. It features original poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic stories, photography, and illustrations—all created by teens.
For over 20 years, teen volunteers and Library staff have collaborated to produce 22 powerful issues and one anthology, publishing the work of more than 650 young creatives.
Free copies of elementia are available at all Johnson County Library locations.
Submit Your Art!
elementia Submissions Now Open
elementia News!
elementia literary magazine invites teen creators to explore how the past, present and future connect through the marks we leave behind, while also sharing how anyone ages 12–19 can submit work for consideration— with submissions due January 1, 2026 at jocolibrary.org/elementia, selections announced and design work beginning in Spring 2026, and the new issue released in Summer 2026 (details inside).
Text Version of PDF
- Preface (DOC)
- Taking My Sunshine Piece by Piece by Emily Weldon
- Get Published (DOC)
- Ladoos by Anonymous
- A Poem Dedicated to the Rituals of Women by Isabella Ahearn
- I Sit Here and Scroll by Gavin Graham
- Legacy by Chloe Schoenfeld
- Legacy (DOC)
- Legacy Reading List (DOC)
- Suffocating Relief by Lila Ahitov
- Mona Lisa of a Mistake by Zoie Tran
- Questions (DOC)
Watch elementia xxii's Reception
Every year, elementia staff, contributors, and Library staff gather to celebrate the release of the new issue. Emceed by two of elementia's teen editors, enjoy poetry, writing, and artists' statements on the theme of "Humanity".