What is it?

An annual contest run by the library-themed comic strip Unshelved to see who can best pimp, trick, or otherwise improve a standard book cart. Libraries and schools often stage kids and/or teen programs to generate entries. Prizes are provided by Unshelved and this year's sponsor Smith System.

Smith System is delighted to partner with Unshelved for the 2008 Pimp My Bookcart contest!
-- Molly Risdall, National Sales Manager, Smith Systems

Who can enter

Libraries, schools, bookstores, or any other organization with a book cart in need of some spiffing-up. Please note, however, that book cart prizes can only be shipped to the U.S.

Prizes

FIRST PLACE

Any Smith System Book Truck
(Retail Value: $415.00)

Choose any model and any color. It will be shipped to you free of charge!

SECOND PLACE

Smith Systems Mini 3 Sloping Book Truck
(Retail Value $305)

Choose any color. It will be shipped to you free of charge!

RUNNERS-UP

$50-$100 gift certificates to the Unshelved store.
Use it to buy books, shirts, bags, and more!

SPECIAL KID'S CART PRIZE

It's hard for kids to compete with the big dogs. So, for the best cart made just by kids middle-school and under, each kid involved will receive an Unshelved book and t-shirt.

Judging

Unshelved co-creators Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum are the sole judges. Winners will be determined, in large part, using the following criteria:

Functionality: Capable of performing all the duties of an unmodified bookcart.
Execution: Great design, quality workmanship, and attention to detail.
Originality: "Wow! We've never seen a bookcart like this!"
Presentation: Your high-resolution photo should be taken with attention to framing, setting, and, if appropriate, props.

About the name

This just in: it's a parody of MTV's Pimp My Ride. But we realize that community standards vary. Feel free to use variants such as "Trick My Book Truck" or "Primp My Bookcart" (or anything else) for your local programs.

Viewing the Submissions

This year for the first time we're making the submissions public as soon as we see them. Peruse them here!

How to Enter

We are accepting submissions now via our new submissions form. Due to a few lost entries last year we will not be accepting entries by email - you must use the submission form.

Submissions deadline is October 31, 2008. Winners will be announced in mid-November.

Question? Email us!

Good luck!