It's over!

This year's Pimp my Bookcart contest had nearly a hundred submissions from all around the world. They came from schools, libraries, a book store, and a jail. There were carts made by kids, teenagers, and adults. They were higher-quality than ever, which made judging extremely difficult. We're not exaggerating when we say that our shortlist was in the dozens. We finally hunkered down in an undisclosed location in Indianapolis and argued well into the night. In the end we followed our hearts.

The Winners

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  First Prize Food for Thought by Student Employees of Columbia University Library

  We both love this with a mad passion. It made Bill homesick, and Gene hungry. We rarely agree on anything as easily as we did in giving this cart first prize. Succeeds in all of our judging categories! They win their choice of any Smith System book truck.

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  Second Prize Phoenix Rising by Harlem High School Welding 3

  Clearly, this firetruck has the best finish of all the carts submitted this year. The level of detail is simply amazing, as is the story of why it was built. Harlem High School wins a Smith System Mini 3 sloping book truck in their choice of color.

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  Kid's Special Prize Score Big @ the Library! by Pennwood Branch of Bucks County Free Library

  One of the most unexpected designs we saw this year – winner of the special runner up prize for carts entered by middle schoolers. Each kid who contributed wins an Unshelved book and the t-shirt of their choice.

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  Runner-Up Joad's Jalopy by Briargate Branch of Pikes Peak Library District

  Amazing combination of presentation and execution to turn the book cart into a jalopy. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.

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  Runner-Up Bookmobile Mini-Me by Washington County Free Library Bookmobile Department

  We both wish there had been a close-up of the Mini-me Bookmobile – looks like an amazing reproduction. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.

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  Runner-Up Libraries Build Knowledge by Mohave County Library - Lake Havasu City Branch

  Simple but very pleasing and well done. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.

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  Runner-Up Animal Crackers by York County Public Library- Tabb Technical Services Dept.

  Pleasing and very unexpected! But we felt it relied too much on preprinted elements (probably from a display or store advertisement) to receive one of the top prizes. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.

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  Runner-Up The Cat in the Hat Reshelving and Cleaning Machine by UCSD Libraries

  Our favorite of the Seussian carts because of the finish and the presentation. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.

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  Runner-Up Optimus Bookcart by Forest Hills Branch Library

  Gene just loved that this one actually transforms (and he’s not a Transformers fan). They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.

Animals Books Dr. Seuss Halloween Harry_Potter Peanuts Pirates Pop_Culture Regional Vehicles

A Word From Our Sponsor

Smith System would like to thank everyone that submitted photos for Pimp My Bookcart, we look forward to sponsoring this event next year. Congratulations to Columbia University Library and Harlem High School. Columbia University can pick out any book truck that we offer in 13 fun colors and Harlem High School will be receiving a mini 3 sloping book truck in their choice of color. Runner ups will be receiving a mini book truck card holder for their desks.

Molly Risdall
National Sales Manager, Smith System

Next Year

As Molly told you above, we're definitely going to do this in 2009. Subscribe by email or RSS so that you don't miss the kick-off announcement!