Kids across Shawnee County used their creativity to help kick off our 2009 Summerfest program. Bookmark forms were sent to all the school children in Shawnee County. Along with their creativity, the children used markers, crayons, paints, colored pencils, and even clay to create bookmarks that will both delight and inspire readers.

The library received 433 completed bookmarks for judging, which took place May 26. The bookmarks were divided up into 4 age categories for judging: birth-4 yrs., 5-6 yrs., 7-8 yrs., 9-11 yrs. Bookmarks were judged on creativity, originality and design. There were so many excellent entries that the judging was very difficult. Eventually four winners emerged.

The winners are:

• Alysa L. age 4
• Garrison J. age 5
• Zoe B. age 8
• LeTaya F. age 9

The winning bookmarks are framed and displayed on the wall of Youth Services. At the end of the summer, the framed copies will be presented to the artists. The winning bookmarks will also be printed and reproduced for our customers’ use throughout the summer. The printed bookmarks will be available in Youth Services by June 15.

All of the bookmarks that were entered are on display in Youth Services. We will enjoy them throughout the summer.