Teen Bookmark Contest Winners Announced

Source: City of Goleta

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 by George Takei, They Called Us Enemy, to explore topics of racial justice, social inclusion, and equality.

The Goleta and Santa Ynez Valley Libraries received many wonderful entries that were beautiful, empathetic, and thought-provoking. We are excited to announce the winners of the contest, who have each received a certificate and a gift card for a free smoothie from our generous sponsor, Blenders in the Grass!

Winners from the Goleta Valley Library are: Dulce Perez, Eva Worthey, Lauren Hubbs and Natalie Myers-Johansing. Honorable Mentions go to: Annabelle Aslanian, Lauren Doyle, Junior Duran, Tera El-Aaidi, Roxane Martinez, Sophia Regan, Devon Robinson, Aliyah Stiles, Nora Tatjes and Jaden Van Wingerden.

Winners from the Santa Ynez Valley Libraries are: for best Interpretation of Theme: Jessica Xu, Gabriela Navarro, and Reiner Zhang; for best Artwork, Nolan Waters, Adam Marmorstein, and Helen Pruitt-Kennett; for Message Impact, Charlotte Hecker, Brandon Williams, and Gray Arredondo; and Honorable Mentions go to 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. The designs are hopeful, arresting, beautiful,” said Solvang Library branch supervisor Carey McKinnon.

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