Teen Bookmark Contest winners announced

By Raiza Giorgi · Tue Jul 20 2021

Staff Report

This spring, local teens were invited to submit a design for a bookmark based on the theme “Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: what does it mean to you?” The contest was part of the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries’ 2021 Book to Action community reading program, which uses the graphic novel memoir “They Called Us Enemy” by actor George Takei.

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries received many wonderful entries that were beautiful, empathetic and thought-provoking. The winners of the contest each received a certificate and a gift card for a free smoothie from sponsor Blenders in the Grass.

Winners from the Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are: 

• Best Interpretation of Theme: Jessica Xu, Gabriela Navarro and Reiner Zhang
• Best Artwork: Nolan Waters, Adam Marmorstein and Helen Pruitt-Kennett
• Message Impact: Charlotte Hecker, Brandon Williams and Gray Arredondo
• Honorable Mentions: Alex Gorski, Miu Ono and Addison Osta Smith. 

All of the winning entries were submitted by Dunn School students.

The winning designs can be viewed in an online gallery on the library website, and printed copies of the bookmarks will be available to library patrons through the end of July.

“We thank all the teens who took the time to participate in the contest, and to share their responses to the issues, which are both global and personal,” said Solvang Library branch supervisor Carey McKinnon. “The designs are hopeful, arresting, beautiful.” 

Book to Action continues at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries with guest speakers, crafts and films through July 31. Information on all programs at the Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries can be found at GoletaValleyLibrary.org.