Friends of the Surprise Libraries has led an annual art through literacy bookmark contest since 2006.

The contest is open to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in the greater Surprise area. Bookmarks are drawn by the local student artist with a theme of books, reading or literacy.

This year, 177 art entries were received by Jan. 31.

Judging took place at the Surprise Library on Feb. 8. Thirty folks volunteered to be judges, including volunteers from friends bookstore, Surprise librarians, artists from WHAM, city of Surprise arts and culture commissioners, Mayor Skip Hall and various city of Surprise staff.

First Place for sixth, seventh and eighth grades will be awarded $100 and a commemorative plaque. Honorable Mention for sixth, seventh and eighth grades will be awarded $25 and a commemorative plaque.

The Mayor’s Choice Award will be awarded $50 and a commemorative plaque.

The award ceremony will be scheduled for late March or early April as part of the city manager’s report as soon as it can be scheduled.

All 177 entries will be on display at the Surprise Library for approximately two weeks after the award ceremony at the council meeting.