In an initiative to merge the imaginative worlds of art and literature, The Friends of Hickory Public Library have announced the launch of the 2025 bookmark contest, a creative outlet for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Set to coincide with National Library Week, this annual competition stokes the flames of creativity among the young minds of Hickory, distilling their visions into a practical yet cherished memento: a bookmark.
Each participant is invited to submit a single masterpiece under this year's theme, "Drawn to the Library," with the unique opportunity for their design to end up cradled in the pages of countless books throughout the coming year. A winner from each grade level will be chosen, their vibrant designs becoming the official bookmarks that grace the shelves and checkout counters of the Hickory's libraries. Not only will they gain the accolade of their artwork in circulation, but a prize awaits them as well, details of which, remain a pleasant anticipation, as per the City of Hickory's release.
Young artists with aspirations can collect their entry forms from either Patrick Beaver Memorial Library or Ridgeview Branch Library, as announced on the official City of Hickory's website. The window for submissions does hinge on a firm deadline though, all designs must be turned in by Tuesday, March 11. For eager participants, this deadline underscores the brevity of time they have to bring their imaginative interpretations of this year's theme to life on paper.
The much-awaited revelation of the winning designs is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, at a special ceremony hosted by Patrick Beaver Memorial Library at 5 p.m., where the community will celebrate the blend of youthful artistry and the venerable institution of the library itself. It's a moment where both the participants and the Friends of Hickory Public Library, a non-profit steadfast in their support for library services, acknowledge the enduring kinship between books and their keepers.
For those interested in the fusion of artistics and the archival, details about the contest can be found by visiting the City of Hickory’s website. It serves as a portal, not just to information about this affair but as an invitation to explore the many services that Hickory libraries offer to their community, from the construction of knowledge to the whims of artistic fancy.
