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Pimp My Bookcart 2009

It's over!

This year's contest had amazing entries that fell into a few familiar categories (vehicles, Dr. Seuss, pirates, Halloween, animals), one that straddled two categories (a Catbus), and a few that we don't remember seeing before (Alice in Wonderland, a GIANT book cart, a camera). Gene was delighted to see so many carts with an environmentally conscious theme (like our new shirt) and others that used recycled materials. Entries came from as far away as South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K.

Thanks again to everyone who spent their time and energy on these carts! We hope you had as much fun making them as we did fighting over the winners.

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The Winners

First Prize: Good Humor

by Harlem High School Welding 3

We simply love this one. We both both want to take this for a spin, though we doubt the umbrella would keep the books dry in Seattle. They win their choice of any Smith System book truck.

Second Prize: Barbecue my "bookcart" Santa Maria Style

by Santa Maria Public Library

Gives a new meaning to "cooking the books." Clever, unexpected, plus great staging + finish (the rubber chicken sold it). They win a Smith System Mini 3 Sloping Book Truck.

Third Prize (tie): DigiCart

by Auburn High School Photography

Picture this -- a book cart that looks like a digital camera. Great finish and staging (love the lens flare), and "megabooxels" is funny. They win a $100 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.

Third Prize (tie): Shep Herding Books

by Lexington Public Library

The best of the animal carts and the green carts this year, this bow-wowed both of us. They win a $100 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.

Special Kid's Prize: Story Bookcart

by Lawrence Public Library & Arts Center Preschool

Paste, handprints, and all, these preschoolers expressed their love of both reading and messes. They may have to grow into their prizes (shirts), or use them for another craft project down the road.

Runner Up: Where are the Wild Things?

by Beaumont Branch of the Lexington Public Library

When we first looked at this, we thought Max and the Wild Things were store bought, but after some zooming, the high level of craftsmanship and the enormous amount of work that went into this scene became apparent. Another great green cart. They win a $50 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.

Runner Up: Easy Reader

by Perry High School LIbrary

We've seen several motorcycle-themed carts, but never one with this level of fit and finish. They win a $50 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.

Runner Up: L-Space in Miniature

by Sandown High School, UK

We don't usually fall in love with carts that re-create scenes in miniature, but Sandown High School had us at "Ank-Morpork." The shelves, books, and other props appear to be hand crafted, and the rope ladders are something every full-sized library should consider. They win a $50 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.

Runner Up: Lower Rider Bookcart

by Health and Science School Library

This literal interpretation wowed us with its chopped and dropped frame and the bookish graffiti. They win a $50 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.

Runner Up: Baa Baa Book Sheep

by Melbourne Beach Public Library

Great name! Excellent staging! And that cart is baa-utiful. They win a $50 gift certificate to the Unshelved store.


Make sure you see all 87 entries !