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Alert: Courthouse Library will close early at 6 p.m. today, September 1. More Info

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Holiday: All library locations closed Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day.

Bookmark Contest: Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Post Published: September 1, 2026

Design a bookmark to be professionally printed and distributed at the library.

Submit your entry September 1-28 online or at any library.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, Arlington Public Library has celebrated the theme "Libraries, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" through a yearlong Arlington 250 series.

Now, we invite you to create a bookmark design for Arlington Public Library that explores this moment in our nation—and the role that libraries have played in it from the beginning.

Winning entries will be professionally printed and distributed at all library locations in early December.

A winning artist of 2024's Freedom to Read Bookmark Contest poses with their printed bookmark.
A winning artist of 2024's Freedom to Read Bookmark Contest poses with their printed bookmark.

Submission guidelines

  • Entries should aim to fill or fit within a space of 3x7.125 inches.
  • One entry per person.
  • Artwork should relate to the nation's 250th anniversary, books or the library.
  • You may use any material including colored pencils or crayons to create your artwork or design.
  • Digital entries (JPEG, TIF, PNG, AI, PDF, EPS) are accepted up to 25 MB per entry.
  • Winners will be notified by late November and may pick up copies of their printed bookmark to share starting in early December.
  • Art will become property of Arlington Public Library and will not be returned. It may be used for future library promotional materials.

Submit your entry September 1-28 at any library location with a printed submission form (PDF) or online using the form below.

The contest is free and open to all!

Online submission form

Artist's Name(Required)

Contact Info for Artist or Guardian

Guardian Name (if applicable)
If an artist's design is chosen, a set of printed bookmark copies will be reserved for them to pick up at their chosen library.

Max. file size: 25 MB.

September 1, 2026 by Christopher George

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Composite of four bookmark designs for the 2024 Freedom to Read competition.

Bookmark Contest: Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Design a bookmark to be professionally printed and … ... about Bookmark Contest: Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

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Center for Local History

Large banner that reads, “Let there Be Peace on Earth” displayed near the Pentagon following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Photo credit Diane Kresh. Charlie Clark Center for Local History, 133-01-02-01-130

Resilience and Community

September 11, 2001 "When terrorists slammed into … ... about Resilience and Community

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Director’s Message: Thank You

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