Pimp My Bookcart

What is it?

An annual contest run by the library-themed comic strip Unshelved, inspired by this comic strip sequence, to see who can best pimp, trick out, or otherwise improve a standard book cart. Libraries and schools often stage kids and/or teen programs to generate entries. Prizes are provided by Unshelved and a sponsor - for the third year running that sponsor is Smith System.

"Smith System is delighted to partner with Unshelved again for the 2010 Pimp My Bookcart contest."
-- Molly Risdall, National Sales Manager, Smith System

Who can enter

Libraries, schools, bookstores, or any other organization with a book cart in need of some spiffing-up. You may enter as many bookcarts as you wish, one at a time. Please note, however, that book cart prizes can only be shipped to the U.S.

Prizes

FIRST PRIZE

Any Smith System Book Truck
(Retail Value: $571.00)

Choose any model and any of sixteen colors. It will be shipped to you free of charge!

SECOND PRIZE

Smith Systems 3 Sloping Book Truck
(Retail Value $342)

Choose any color. It will be shipped to you free of charge!

THIRD PRIZE

Smith Systems Mini 3 Sloping Book Truck
(Retail Value $342)

Choose any color. It will be shipped to you free of charge!

RUNNERS-UP

Gift certificates to the Unshelved store.
Use them to buy books, shirts, bags, and more!

SPECIAL KID'S CART PRIZE

It's hard for kids to compete with the big dogs. So, for the best cart made just by kids middle-school and under, each kid involved will receive an Unshelved book and t-shirt.

Judging

Unshelved co-creators Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum are the sole judges. Winners will be determined, in large part, using the following criteria:

Functionality: Capable of performing all the duties of an unmodified bookcart.
Execution: Great design, quality workmanship, and attention to detail.
Originality: "Wow! We've never seen a bookcart like this!"
Presentation: Your high-resolution photo should be taken with attention to framing, setting, and, if appropriate, props.

About the name

This just in: it's a parody of MTV's Pimp My Ride. But we realize that community standards vary. Feel free to use variants such as "Trick My Book Truck" or "Primp My Bookcart" (or anything else) for your local programs.

Viewing the Submissions

We will be each submission public as soon as we review them. See them here.

How to Enter

Submit your entry here. Due to a lost entries in the past we will not be accepting entries by email - you must use the submission form.

Submissions deadline is Nov 15, 2010. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter.

Question? Email us!

Good luck!

Bill and Gene
the Unshelved guys

Contests

2010 Underway!