Bookmark contest to engage kids at Vermilion Public Library

Area residents are encouraged to participate in a new Design-a-Bookmark Contest at Vermilion Public Library for the next month.

Programs coordinator, Sheila Heit, said the program is for everybody. There is no limit on the media used or restriction on subject matter or topic.

“You can draw in crayon, ink, jiffy marker, water colour — any medium you want. We are definitely excited to seeing what people come up with,” said Heit.

Anyone who would like to take on the challenge can schedule a pickup time for an entry form they have printed on heavier card-stock.

Categories include ages under 6, 7-9, 9-13, and 14+ and winners from each category (to be announced February 19) will win $50 in chamber cash. Completed forms of one entry per person must be returned to the library through the drop box by February 13.

“Creative outlets are a healthy way for people to maintain themselves through this COVID shutdown. We have recruited three community members as volunteers who will review the bookmarks. We will scan them and get them sent out to the panel of judges asking them to make a selection,” said Heit.

Originally she said their idea was to put the submissions blown up as part of their ‘artist of the month’ series that showcases visual, auditory and written media as a way to communicate and share information.

Under their library programming mandate, they aim to provide a welcoming environment for people to interact as they would like. Even though the library’s doors are closed, they are still programming for the community.

People are encouraged to follow their website www.vermilionpubliclibrary.ca or check out their Facebook page @vermilionpl to see what programs they are offering. People can also still arrange to pick up books.

“We are doing what we can to accommodate, and the online services are good to investigate so we can see what the needs are in our community. Perhaps it will create a mixture of online and in house services in the future,” said Heit.

You can call 780-853-4288 for more information.