MIFFLINTOWN — Few things go together better than a good book and a bookmark. While bookmarks serve the practical purpose of helping readers save their place, they can also reflect creativity, imagination and a love of reading.

This summer, the Juniata County Library in Mifflintown found a unique way to celebrate both literacy and local talent by inviting patrons to design bookmarks for the library’s Summer Reading Program.

The project was organized by Youth Services Coordinator Jocinda Rhinier as a fun and engaging activity to kick off the library’s annual summer reading initiative. With this year’s theme, “Unearth a Story,” library staff wanted to encourage community participation while giving readers a keepsake they could use throughout the season.

“I thought it would be a fun idea at the beginning of our Summer Reading Program to have our patrons design bookmarks that we would print and have available at the library throughout the summer,” Rhinier said.

The contest was open to three different age groups, giving children, teens and adults an opportunity to participate. Organizers hoped the activity would inspire patrons to think creatively about books, reading and storytelling while showcasing the artistic talents found throughout the community.

The response exceeded expectations. Participants submitted a variety of colorful and imaginative designs inspired by books, reading adventures and the theme of discovering stories. Each entry reflected a unique perspective, making the selection process difficult for library staff.

Rather than choosing a single winner, the library decided to celebrate every participant’s effort. The artist name is printed on each one.

“We opened it up to three different age groups and were able to print all of the submissions that we received,” Rhinier said.

That decision turned the project into an even greater community success. Every person who submitted artwork had the opportunity to see their design professionally printed and distributed for fellow readers to enjoy. The bookmarks now serve as both practical reading tools and miniature works of art created by local residents.

According to Rhinier, the creativity displayed in the entries made it impossible to narrow the field.

“These bookmarks were designed by our library patrons to fit the summer reading theme of ‘Unearth a Story.’ We loved all of the bright colors and details that were put into these designs that we couldn’t choose just one — we chose them all,” she said.

The bookmark program also highlights the important role libraries play in fostering community engagement. While summer reading programs are traditionally focused on encouraging literacy, activities such as the bookmark contest provide additional opportunities for patrons to connect with the library in meaningful ways. Participants were able to contribute something personal, while visitors can take home a reminder of the creativity that exists within their own community.

The bookmarks continue to be popular with patrons visiting the library this summer. Whether tucked inside a mystery novel, cookbook, biography or children’s chapter book, the bookmarks offer readers a useful way to keep their place while adding a personal touch to their reading experience.

The designs are currently available at the library, located at 498 Jefferson St., where visitors may browse and select their favorites.

“We do still have the bookmarks at the library and will have them available for the next couple of months,” Rhinier said. “They are available on the bookshelf directly outside of the Youth Services office.”

Library patrons are encouraged to stop by and pick up a bookmark while supplies last. Readers may choose a favorite design or collect several different versions to use throughout the summer.

Most importantly, the project allowed the library to recognize and celebrate the efforts of community members who shared their talents. Rhinier expressed gratitude to everyone who participated and helped make the program successful.

As summer reading continues, the collection of patron-designed bookmarks serves as a reminder that stories can be discovered in many ways — through books, artwork and community participation. By turning a simple bookmark into a creative project, Juniata County Library successfully encouraged reading, artistic expression and local pride all at once.

For more information about programs and services at Juniata County Library, visit www.juniatalibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook.