Songwriters: How does Chicago inspire you?

The Chicago Public Library invites you to answer that question for its latest contest, Sound Off, which promotes the institution's huge collection of free music (including CDs, DVDs, MP3s and sheet music). Submit your original, Chi-inspired song by September 27. A judging panel including Jessica Hopper (author of The Girls' Guide to Rocking) and Chris Force (Alarm magazine editor) will review the top submissions and select one Grand Prize winner, who will receive a free studio package courtesy of Steve Albini's Electrical Audio and a headlining spot at the Sound Off concert in October in Pritzker Park. The People's Choice winner, selected by online voters from September 28-October 3, will open the concert.

For all the rules, visit the website. Note: "My Kind of Town" is already taken.