That’s a wrap on our bookmark design competition!

This competition was not only a chance to encourage people to visit and learn more about our Community Library boxes, it was also an opportunity to get creative combining a love for books with a love for nature.

From kingfishers to butterflies to badgers, we saw wildlife brought to life with designs which captured how important nature and wildlife is for sparking imagination.

This competition was designed to celebrate our Community Library boxes. The first-place winning designs will become official bookmarks that readers will discover in the boxes across Chelmsford. These community assets have been a partnership between Chelmsford City Parks, Men’s Shed Chelmsford, Chelmsford Library, with book box artwork designed by Astrid.

Drum roll please as we announce the winners…

Congratulations to our winers!

Under 7’s

• 1^st place – Mabel
• 2^nd place – Scarlett
• 3^rd place – Darcy

Aged 7 – 11

• 1^st place – Vicky
• 2^nd place – Phoebe
• 3^rd place – Zara

Aged 12 and over

• 1^st place – Hannah
• 2^nd place – Gail
• 3^rd place – Mia

A massive thank you to our judges who lent their time and expertise to this competition, choosing our winners amongst an array of beautiful creative designs.

• Hayley Wells, award-shortlisted illustrator
• Ros Green, Director of Essex Book Festival
• Cathy Whitaker from Chelmsford Libraries
• Astrid Walls, Community Library boxes artist and Ranger for Chelmsford City Parks
• Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for Greener Chelmsford

The judging panel had some tough decisions to make and everyone that entered should be proud of their design because there was a host of nature-loving drawings and designs that showed some super talent.

The winners will join us this Friday (26 June 2026) at Oaklands Park for a prize presentation next to the Community Library box that’s recently been installed in the park. This will be a great opportunity for the winners to meet one another and some of the judges who are inspirational women in their fields.

Thank you again to everyone who took part, we hope that this competition has inspired people to keep reading, keep creating and keep supporting your local library, green space and Community Library book box.

Article by Issy Lyons (Corporate Marketing Officer)