Nearly 100 libraries, representing every borough, participated in the Culture Pass library display contest, designing displays for the theme "The Creative City." The Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center was named the grand prize winner and will receive $1500 to use for branch programming and resources.
“Library staff in branches across the five boroughs poured an enormous amount of heart and creativity into their displays this year. We’ve been able to engage thousands of New Yorkers and raise awareness about the free arts access available through the Culture Pass program, so while prizes go to the branches, everyone who sees one of these displays is a winner,” said Brendan Crain, Culture Pass Program Manager.
The winning display featured an artist sewing a quilt; the figure was made using paper-mâchė from old newspapers, highlighting the Library and the neighborhood’s focus on environmentalism. In addition, the quilt was made using recycled materials. Children created the border patches, making the display a genuine representation of a creative city.
The public cast 9500 votes in the first round. The displays with the most votes were then reviewed by a panel of expert judges who selected the final winners.
Since Culture Pass launched in 2018, over 217,000 free passes have been distributed to library cardholders. The book display contest paid tribute to New York City’s creative community, including performers, curators, and designers and the favorite museums, historical sites, performance venues, and arts institutions which showcase their work and partner with city libraries to provide free access and admission.
You can see the winning Greenpoint Library display through the end of April. To learn more about the Culture Pass Program and how you can use your library card to get free admission to over 80 cultural institutions, click here.
