In the end it wasn't close.

Somerville soundly defeated Arlington, Belmont and Lexington in a contest to see which community could increase its library sign-ups the most.

Somerville won the challenge with a 320 percent increase in sign-ups this February compared to last. Belmont finished second with a 186 percent increase, Arlington third with a 183 percent increase and Lexington finished fourth.

Somerville's victory will cause at least two Arlington officials to dress as Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Robbins Library Director Ryan Livergood will now don his Clifford the Big Red Dog costume and read to children at Somerville Public Library.

What's more, it's likely Arlington Selectman Joseph Curro Jr. will also be dressing as the popular dog.

At a Board of Selectmen’s meeting, chairman Kevin Greeley challenged his colleague Curro to wear the costume to a meeting if Arlington lost, and Curro accepted. At a later meeting, Greeley gave Curro an out, but Curro said he’d stay true to his word.

Per the challenge, Somerville will also be receiving a platter of baked goods from the losing communities’ favorite local bakeries, and Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine will be taking Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone out to lunch at his favorite local restaurant.

In early February, at the beginning ot the challenge, Somerville’s library director, Maria Carpenter, warned the competition, “Something you should know about Somerville is that we are fiercely competitive."

In the end, Livergood noted all the communities were winners, as they increased library sign-ups by significant margins.