This year's Pimp my Bookcart contest had nearly a hundred submissions from all around the world. They came from schools, libraries, a book store, and a jail. There were carts made by kids, teenagers, and adults.
They were higher-quality than ever, which made judging extremely difficult. We're not exaggerating when we say that our shortlist was in the dozens. We finally hunkered down in an undisclosed location in Indianapolis and argued well into the night. In the end we followed our hearts.
by Student Employees of Columbia University Library
We both love this with a mad passion. It made Bill homesick, and Gene hungry. We rarely agree on anything as easily as we did in giving this cart first prize. Succeeds in all of our judging categories! They win their choice of any Smith System book truck.
by Harlem High School Welding 3
Clearly, this firetruck has the best finish of all the carts submitted this year. The level of detail is simply amazing, as is the story of why it was built. Harlem High School wins a Smith System Mini 3 sloping book truck in their choice of color.
by Pennwood Branch of Bucks County Free Library
One of the most unexpected designs we saw this year – winner of the special runner up prize for carts entered by middle schoolers. Each kid who contributed wins an Unshelved book and the t-shirt of their choice.
by Briargate Branch of Pikes Peak Library District
Amazing combination of presentation and execution to turn the book cart into a jalopy. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.
by Washington County Free Library Bookmobile Department
We both wish there had been a close-up of the Mini-me Bookmobile – looks like an amazing reproduction. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.
by Mohave County Library - Lake Havasu City Branch
Simple but very pleasing and well done. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.
by York County Public Library- Tabb Technical Services Dept.
Pleasing and very unexpected! But we felt it relied too much on preprinted elements (probably from a display or store advertisement) to receive one of the top prizes. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.
by UCSD Libraries
Our favorite of the Seussian carts because of the finish and the presentation. They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.
by Forest Hills Branch Library
Gene just loved that this one actually transforms (and he’s not a Transformers fan). They win a gift certificate to the Unshelved store and a Smith mini book truck card holder.