The Daphne Public Library is calling on young artists and book lovers to showcase their creativity in the 2024 "Back-to-School" Bookmark Contest.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Daphne Public Library, the annual competition is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The contest, which runs to Sept. 20, is divided into two divisions: Division I for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and Division II for those in sixth through 12th grade.

Local teachers, school librarians, educational specialists and homeschool educators are encouraged to use this contest as a tool to inspire creativity and promote the importance of reading among their students.

Entries can be submitted as part of a class assignment or individually by students. To add an extra layer of excitement, the class or homeschool teacher of the overall first-place winners will receive a $25 gift card as an incentive.

To participate, students must create bookmarks from cardstock, ensuring that their designs relate to reading, a specific book, the library, a favorite character or author. Each entry must include the child's first and last name, grade, school name and home phone number on the back of the bookmark. The use of digital artwork is not permitted, and only one entry per student is allowed. Neatness and originality are key judging criteria.

Winners will be chosen in three categories for each school grade. The top three designs in each division will be selected based on talent and creativity, independent of age group. These winning designs will be framed and displayed in the Daphne Library Atrium for one month. Additionally, the first-place overall winners will receive copies of their bookmarks to share with family, friends and classmates. All grade-level winners will be awarded ribbons, while the top three overall winners in both divisions will receive gift cards.

For more information, contact Louise Youngblood at (251) 620-2503 or Rhonda Moss at (251) 620-2508.