Becky Stanley is expecting a lot of entries for the new library card competition. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Becky Stanley is expecting a lot of entries for the new library card competition. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Whanganui Library is looking for local artists to submit entries into a new competition - designing the next run of library cards.
Thousands of cards ae in circulation, and Families Outreach Librarian Becky Stanley said there had been a massive amount of entries last time the competition ran, in 2018.
"I think it's really cool, and it's not just for kids, it's for people of any age," Stanley said.
"We're going to be choosing four designs, and last time we had three children and one adult.
"When people get a new card they get to choose one, and there are little stories behind each of them. At the moment there's one of our awa and the mountain, the silver ball by the awa, kids reading, and a kiwi reading.
Any form of art is welcome in the competition, but all designs must incorporate the theme of "Show us your story, Whanganui".
Stanley, previously the children's librarian, said her role would last 18 months and was one of three positions introduced after the Covid-19 lockdowns.
"The Government gave the National Library some funding, and that was spread out over New Zealand. That's how the three jobs were created.
"My big thing is getting out into the community more, because I want to stop the stigma of libraries and librarians being a bit scary and serious.
"I must admit, when I was a young single mum I didn't really bring my kids to the library because I was worried they were going to wreck things, and I didn't know where anything was. Walking through those doors can be quite scary for some people, and I was a bit like that.
Three children and one adult took out the top prizes in the 2018 competition. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"I want to educate them and let them know that it's not."
There was "so much stuff" at the library that people were unaware of, Stanley said, and she wanted the public to know about it all.
"At the moment I'm getting information together so I can get out into communities and go to organisations and show them what we have to offer, so they can carry it on with their clients.
"I've been going into daycares and read stories, then making them take photos of me and putting them on their Facebook pages, so parents can see 'library'.
"I'll be down in the van at the [Whanganui River] markets as well. It's all about engaging as much as I can."
Entrants must use the competition's 55mm x 85mm template, which will be available at all branches of the Whanganui Library from February 1. Entries close at midday on March 31.
The judges for the competition will be Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall, Sarjeant Gallery education officer Sietske Jansma, and Whanganui Regional Museum public programmes presenter Lisa Reweti.
As well as having their design on thousands of library cards throughout the district, the winners will also receive a voucher to the value of $100.
The winner will be announced on April 9.
For more information on the library card competition, email Becky Stanley at Becky@whanganuilibrary.com.
