The municipal public libraries continue to bet on creativity and artistic expression with two of their most prominent initiatives. On one hand, they have already announced the winners of the XXIV Bookmark Contest ‘A Madrid of Science Fiction’, which has awarded illustrations imagining the city of the future. Furthermore, they have launched the XVII Micro-Story Prize until April 14, focusing this time on the theme ‘On the Other Side of the Peephole’.
An Illustrated Homage to Julio Verne
The XXIV Bookmark Contest ‘A Madrid of Science Fiction’, where participants were invited to illustrate a futuristic Madrid, has seen very active participation this year. In this edition, inspired by the 120th anniversary of Julio Verne’s death, participants presented their drawings of Madrid scenarios with flying cars, spaceships, beings from other planets, and other science fiction elements.
The winning bookmarks in each category, already announced on the Libraries Portal, will be printed and available at the municipal public libraries for users to enjoy. The winners in each category, from the youngest to adults, will be recognized in a ceremony at the Benito Pérez Galdós Municipal Public Library (date and time to be determined). Among the participants, two special categories stand out: special education schools; as well as occupational centers, day centers, and associations for adults with disabilities.
100 Words to Let Imagination Soar
The XVII Micro-Story Prize, open until April 14, invites participants to unleash their creativity in stories of up to 100 words. The chosen theme for this edition is ‘Through the Peephole’, aiming to awaken participants’ curiosity and literary gaze, suggesting they imagine the stories hidden behind these openings that communicate worlds, spaces, or emotions.
All individuals over 15 years old, of Spanish nationality or residing in Spain, can participate. The stories, to be written in Spanish, will be evaluated by a jury, and the top three will be awarded certificates and cash prizes: 1,000, 600, and 400 euros, respectively. The contest’s regulatory rules are available on the Libraries Portal.
An added value of both contests are the two reading guides developed to frame them, providing and suggesting interesting readings to fully immerse in the themes of both competitions, accessible on the website of the Municipal Public Libraries:
Madrid Science Fiction 2025 Reading Guide
Peephole Micro-Story Reading Guide
