Cook County Launches Project Rainbow's Second Annual Back-to-School Bookmark Design Contest

Winning designs will once again become the official Cook County bookmarks, with winners honored by a Cook County Board resolution and awarded Kindle Colorsoft Kids readers

CHICAGO, IL — Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the County's Emmy Award-winning Project Rainbow initiative are inviting students back to submit their designs for the second annual Bookmark Design Contest, opening this fall for the 2026–27 school year.

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8 — International Literacy Day — students in kindergarten through sixth grade are encouraged to submit original bookmark designs inspired by books, reading or community pride. Each student may submit only one entry, created independently, through the online entry form. Submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

The contest returns after a successful launch year, in which dozens of students from across Cook County submitted designs celebrating their love of reading. Last year's winners — Myra M. (Grades K–3), Ava P. (Grades 4–6) and honorable mention Zoey F-P. — saw their artwork become the official bookmarks of Cook County, displayed as stand-up banners in the Cook County Building and honored with a Board resolution.

“We’re excited to welcome back the Bookmark Design Contest for a second year,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Last year’s entries showcased the remarkable creativity and imagination of young people across Cook County. This contest gives our students an opportunity to share their talents while celebrating the joy of reading and fostering a strong sense of connection to their communities and their County.”

The following are key details about this year's contest:

• One winner will be selected in each of two categories: Grades K–3 and Grades 4–6. Each winner will receive a Kindle Colorsoft Kids reader, a certificate and a Project Rainbow T-shirt, and their winning design will be printed and distributed at the Cook County Building in celebration of National Book Month in October.
• Winners' artwork will also be featured as stand-up banners in the Cook County Building lobby and displayed on the Project Rainbow website.
• Winners will be honored with an official Cook County Board resolution commemorating their achievement.
• Winners will be notified by email by Nov. 2, 2026.

"Seeing how kids embraced the first bookmark contest last year was incredible, and we can't wait to see what this year's students create," said Project Rainbow Creator Nick Shields. "This contest is all about giving young people a creative outlet to express themselves while connecting them to their community and a love of reading."

Project Rainbow, launched by Cook County to address early education inequities amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to inspire families through free early childhood programming and immersive learning initiatives. The Bookmark Design Contest underscores the initiative's ongoing commitment to nurturing creativity, literacy and civic engagement among the county's youngest learners.

To view last year's winning designs or to participate in this year's contest, visit: projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov/bookmark-contest

About Project Rainbow

Project Rainbow is Cook County's free, Emmy Award-winning learning initiative led by Board President Toni Preckwinkle, delivering educational media, early childhood programming and creative resources via County TV, a mobile app and partnerships with local cultural institutions. For more information about the contest or all Project Rainbow initiatives, please visit https://projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov.