Well, the Juneau Public Library’s annual bookmark design contest has been inspiring young readers in the Capital City for more than 30 years.
“It started in 1982 with two goals: One was to be fun for kids. And the other was as a grassroots campaign to build libraries,” says Amelia Jenkins with the library system’s Youth Services staff.
In fact, Jenkins says the contest started about the same time as library officials began pushing for a new facility in the Mendenhall Valley. That project is finally coming to fruition, with construction expected to get underway next year.
“And the bookmark contest has been along for the ride the whole time,” Jenkins says.
The library system received more than 1,300 entries for this year’s contest. A team of judges selected one winner and two runners up for each grade level. Some of the winners were honored by the Juneau Assembly last week.
The top three bookmarks will be available at public library branches throughout the city for the next year.
2013 Juneau Public Library Children’s Bookmark Contest winners:
Preschool Winner: Brigit Young
Honorable Mentions: Itai Sheleg, Alec James
Kindergarten Winner: Elijah Wyatt
Honorable Mentions: Thaine Sanders, Sarah Rivera
First Grade Winner: Christina Giamakidis
Honorable Mentions: Johnathyn Kestel, Michiko Morris
Second Grade Winner: Taeyang Hassin
Honorable Mentions: Finley Sullivan, Chloe Washburn
Third Grade Winner: Peyton Carson
Honorable Mentions: Aubrie Engen, Reagan Mitchell
Fourth Grade Winner: Darin Tingey
Honorable Mentions: Amelia Shaw, Toby Russell
Fifth Grade Winner: Callahan Croteau
Honorable Mentions: Harley Sievenpiper-Booth, Luke Kulm
Sixth Grade Winner: Aidan Woodrow
Honorable Mention: Dakota Cross, Abram Lazo
Seventh Grade Winner: Adele Hagevig
Honorable Mentions: Jacob Babcock, William Torgerson
Eighth Grade Winner: Steven D. Burris
Honorable Mentions: Brandon Garrison, Tristan Walker-Andrews
High School Winner: Mingming Yang
Honorable Mentions: Garrett Mayer, Christine Quick
