With 22 entrants in the 2019 competition, Lithgow Library team leader Sharon Lewis said they're hoping that next year they can get more schools involved.

Zig Zag Public student Chase Anderson, who couldn't attend the ceremony, was awarded first place for his work, while Harry James Richardson came second.

Lithgow National Trust member Katheryn Newton judged the essays and said she loved everyone's work.

"We have to continue to support young writers," she said.

The theme of this year's event was 'People, places and past events' with the students tasked to describe a day in the life of a Lithgow resident from 100 years ago.

According to Ms Newton, two writers stood out to her.

"One of the essays was about how family values can influence a child's life growing up...the other spoke about the rights of workers back 1000 years ago.

"It was strong and powerful, with only 66 words they dared to be original."

First and second place received $100 and $50 gift vouchers, as did Zig Zag Public School for participating, and the participants also received a certificate and gift voucher.

The annual event is run in memory of John Edmund Wellings (1934-2006), who received an OAM for his services to the community and adult education.

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Lithgow City Council mayor Cr Ray Thompson attended the event to hand out the awards to the students.

"Congratulations to both the National Trust for continuing this event, in this particular area John did great things, he certainly put Rydal on the map," he said.

"This library is also doing incredible things, this is a learning city and we will continue to give people the chance to learn."

Runner-up Harry James Richardson said he really enjoyed writing.

"It took me from when I got home from school until midnight to complete it and then I got up at 6am and made some changes and finished it," he said.

James said he did some research on the time and place and used a fictional character he created as the main focus.

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