Public library members of all ages are being encouraged by Bath & North East Somerset Council to get creative and turn old books into works of art.
Every year, the Council’s library service has books that have reached the end of their life; either through the amount of times they have been issued or due to an updated version becoming available.
Most find new homes in the annual book sale; with the proceeds invested back into the service. But the small number of books that are left are being used in a competition designed to bring out people’s creative sides for a chance to win an EBook reader.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Libraries have always been places that inspire us to explore our imaginations. This is a great opportunity for everyone, young or old, to take a trip to their creative side. Last year we received over 50 entries for the competition and this year we hope to do even better.
“We also hope it will encourage more people to pop back into Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries to discover what else we have available for them to enjoy – including an amazing range of books, CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.”
If you would like to take part just visit any of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries from 28 May to choose an ex-library book and pick up an entry form. You have until 31 August to remake the book into anything you like.
To take part you must be a member of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Libraries and you have to use ex-library books supplied by the Council’s Library Service. Apart from that you are free to remake your book in any way.
If you need some inspiration, take a look at the “Bathnes Libraries” Facebook page to see last year’s entries.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is also running a series of book recycling workshops at Bath Central Library starting on Tuesday 28 May. These workshops are free but places are limited so book your tickets by coming into one of our libraries or e-mailing:Recycled_BookCompetition@bathnes.gov.uk.
- Tuesday 28 May: Upcycled Paper Cut-through Workshops; 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm (over-18s only)
- Wednesday 29 May: Recycled Book Workshops; 11am-1pm (under 12s) and 2pm-4pm (ages 12-17). All children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the workshop.
- Thursday 30 May: Re-configured Book Workshops; 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm (over-18s only)
A full exhibition will run at Bath Central Library and on the “Bathnes Libraries” Facebook page in September; featuring all the competition entries and offering the public the chance to vote for their favourite, with the overall winner in each category receiving an EBook reader.
More information and full terms and conditions are available at:www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries.
