"Favorite Library" contest winners!

Before I announce the winners, here are some photos of beloved libraries.

To the left is an interior view of the magnificent Salt Lake City library, where Kristi's husband proposed to her! How romantic is that? If I were giving a prize for the coolest story, it would absolutely go to you, Kristi.

To the right is the Rogue River County of the Jackson County Library, favorite branch of Cindy and Ryan. And with all that lavender growing right outside, it's no wonder.

And here is a farflung library, the current favorite of Ginny. It's the Medvescak Public Library in Zagreb, Croatia, and it's looks like they're really rocking the whole Early Childhood Literacy concept.

And now - The Winners! (Drumroll, please...)

I pulled the following names out of my sorting hat (all right, a crumpled paper bag) last night:

Candace, who loves the Los Feliz branch of the Los Angeles Public Library because it's cozy and the cool Children's Librarian makes cupcakes for the kids. (winner of David Carter's pop-up version of Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who)

ReadingTub, who fondly remembers the third floor of the University of Charleston library. (winner of Carl Hiassen's Scat)

Book Chook, who loves her first library in Sydney, NSW, Australia. (winner of Daniel Pinkwater's The Yggessey)

Brimful Curiousities, whose beloved childhood library was only 707 square feet. (winner of Joost Elfers' Do You Love Me?)

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all who entered the contest. Please read all the funny, touching, amazing entries here.

And don't forget to visit your own favorite library soon!