Ahead of Banned Books Week, Oct. 5-11, Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) invites the community to celebrate the Freedom to Read by participating in the Banned Books Bookmark Design Contest.

“Open to all ages, the contest encourages creative expression and supports intellectual freedom,” the city said.

Participants may submit original artwork for the bookmark design contest through Aug. 30. Community voting will take place Aug. 31-Sept. 6.

Winners will be announced at a discussion of Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 in the library’s Faulkner Gallery, 40 E. Anapamu St.

Free copies of “Fahrenheit 451” will be available at Central Library starting mid-September, while supplies last.

Bookmark Design Contest guidelines:

• Original artwork only, no copyrighted images.
• One entry per person.
• Do not include personal information on artwork.
• Entries from SBPL employees and their families are not eligible for awards.
• Final print size will be 2 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
• Submission period: Aug. 17-30.

For more information and to submit artwork, visit Banned Books Week Bookmark Design Contest.

Banned Books Week is an annual reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom. In 2024, more than 2,400 book titles were challenged across the U.S.

SBPL stands in support of intellectual freedom, as outlined in its Collection Development Policy and mission statement.

“Whether you participate in one of SBPL’s programs, read a banned book, or talk with a friend about the harms of censorship, we encourage you to uplift democratic values and exercise your intellectual freedoms,” the library said.
 
This year’s Banned Books Week programming is supported by the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation. 


For more about Banned Books Week, events, and bookmark design content, visit SBPL Celebrates the Freedom to Read During Banned Books Week 2025.