We have a winner!

Lake Los Angeles – Los Angeles County Library – The Los Angele County Library launched their 45th annual bookmark contest again in 2024 to receive many incredible entries for all classifications based on grade levels.

“This is more than a competition; it’s a testament to the creativity and passion for reading that is alive in our community,” said Skye Patrick, CEO of LA County Library. “We’re excited to see the imaginations that our young artists will bring to life.”

This year, LA County Library was looking for original drawings, paintings, and designs that celebrate books, reading, and the joy of libraries. Winning designs will be prominently featured at local libraries, with the top entries being recognized as grand prize winners🌳 and distributed as official bookmarks throughout all LA County Library locations in 2025.

Each library selected a local winner in each grade-level category, with announcements made in November. The LA County Board of Supervisors will then select 20 grand prize winners, four representing each supervisorial district, in early 2025.

Participants competed in the following grade-level categories:

Kindergarten – Grade 2

Grades 3 – 5

Grades 6 – 8

Grades 9 – 12

Ms. Citlali Schwerdt was the winner for the Lake Los Angeles Library. She is in the 3rd grade at iLead Charter School in Lancaster.

I asked her what her inspiration was for such a creative bookmark that holds so much thought. Lali said, "First, I imagined a little kitten in a library, but then it felt like it was too boring. Then I thought, why not put it in the clouds? Because clouds make me think of imagination and beauty. So, about the books in the sky, they are floating there waiting for someone to grab them and read them. The rainbow on top of the books is there to make you feel happy and excited to read. The whole piece makes me feel like a fantasy world that is calm, relaxed, and happy."

Congratulations, Lali. We are so proud of you, and we are all so happy to rejoice with you in your recognition.

By Shirley Harriman