The bookmark drawing contest is returning this year. How can you use the bookmark space to surprise and delight us? Bring us your best art!

HCLS gives out tons of bookmarks every year, but our favorites are the ones designed by students here in our community. Although it went on hiatus during the pandemic, the bookmark contest returns this year for anyone in Kindergarten through Grade 12 who lives or goes to school in Howard County.

The contest runs from May 31 – July 31, after which winners are selected in each of five categories: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. We are always astounded by the talent and creativity that students share!

Just be careful: please don’t use any copyrighted characters (like, say, from Encanto or the Marvel Cinematic Universe) and follow the instructions on the entry form about what doesn’t reproduce well. Glitter crayons and gel pens are really, truly the most cool things ever, but not so much for the printer. We’ve had winners use regular crayons, colored pencils, markers, watercolor paint, and combinations of media.

Entry forms are available in branches or you can print one at home. The form has more suggestions for success. There’s no set theme. Winning bookmarks will be announced online, then printed and made available in September. Good luck!