The library celebrated National Library Week this month by revealing the winners for the first-ever Love Your Library Bookmark Contest.
Five winners were selected from more than 200 submissions received by local youth artists from School Districts 25 and 214. On Monday, April 7, the winners were invited to the library’s Committee of the Whole meeting. Library Board President Amy Somary presented each winner with a certificate and printed copies of their winning bookmark.
Afterwards, the winners got to celebrate with a specially designed cake featuring their bookmark designs and then take a look at the new bookmark display on the library’s first floor, which features their artwork alongside the other 200+ submissions.
“It was really fun for my daughter to enter and see her artwork displayed at the library and think about what she loves about reading and why she loves it. And just getting to come tonight and honor her and celebrate her,” said Cherié Kientoff, whose daughter Selah was selected as one of the winners. “This combined two things she loves, reading and art.”
The contest proved to be a celebratory way for Arlington Heights youth to express their love for the library in creative ways.
“It’s so cool, I didn’t realize there were so many people entering the contest,” said Colleen Corliss, whose daughter Molly was also selected as one of the winners. “I just think that they made them feel so special and the whole ceremony was really cool.”
“My mom, she calls me bunny so that’s why I drew a bunny on there,” added Molly, whose bookmark showcased a small bunny reading in a bookshelf.
The winners of this contest were selected in five categories that were determined by grade. A panel of judges evaluated the designs and identifying information such as student name and school was withheld during judging.
The library invites the community to visit the display throughout April. The top five bookmarks were printed and can be taken home while supplies last.