Design a Bookmark Contest 2025





Every year, the library prints bookmarks featuring original artwork by kids. These bookmarks go to all of our branches and thousands of readers will use them — maybe even forever! Could yours be one of the next winning designs?
 

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Design a Bookmark Contest! Thank you to everyone who entered. The contest will open again this fall. Stay tuned for more information!

Ages: 0 - 6

  • Elysa's bookmark
    Elysa
    5 years old
    Bendale Branch
  • Janhvi's bookmark
    Janhvi
    6 years old
    Fort York Branch
  • Jasper's bookmark
    Jasper
    6 years old
    Leaside Branch
  • Nikki's bookmark
    Nikki
    6 years old
    Brentwood Branch

Ages: 7 - 9

  • Ashwath's bookmark
    Ashwath
    9 years old
    Northern District Branch
  • Austin's bookmark
    Austin
    9 years old
    Goldhawk Park Branch
  • Emma's bookmark
    Emma
    8 years old
    St. James Town Branch
  • Viviana's bookmark
    Viviana
    9 years old
    Deer Park Branch

Ages: 10 - 13

  • Amenah's bookmark
    Amenah
    11 years old
    Flemingdon Park Branch
  • Ayaan's bookmark
    Ayaan
    12 years old
    Cedarbrae Branch
  • Iris's bookmark
    Iris
    10 years old
    Palmerston Branch
  • Sergio's bookmark
    Sergio
    10 years old
    Northern District Branch

Elizabeth Cleaver Award

  • Abbi Lyn's bookmark
    Abbi Lyn
    11 years old
    Fairview Branch
  • Dheniez's bookmark
    Dheniez
    13 years old
    S. Walter Stewart Branch
  • Evangelina's bookmark
    Evangelina
    12 years old
    Wychwood Branch
  • Saraya's bookmark
    Saraya
    12 years old
    Highland Creek Branch

 

What do I win? 

If you win at your local branch, you will receive a book prize. If you're one of the 16 winners at the final round of judging, you receive a book, 150 copies of your bookmark, and an invitation to attend a special award ceremony.


How are bookmarks judged? 

Entries are judged on theme, originality and design. The Elizabeth Cleaver Design Award also recognizes outstanding artistic merit. Bookmarks are judged in three age categories: 0 to 6 years old, 7 to 9 years old, and 10 to 13 years old. 

One winner is selected from each age group at every branch or bookmobile. These winners then compete to become one of the 12 Grand Award winners or 4 Elizabeth Cleaver Design Award winners. The 16 winning bookmarks will be printed and distributed at all branches.

Past Winners