The West Hartford Library's Latest 'Thing?' Bookmarks, Of Course

WEST HARTFORD, CT — In this day and age, anything that is unusually popular is often classified as being a "thing."

In fact, some might even say being a "thing" is a "thing" and the West Hartford Public Library's "thing," so to speak, are the popular bookmarks used to promote its "Studio 20 South" feature at the Noah Webster branch, 20 S. Main St.

And, all month long in March, the library is soliciting entries in its first annual bookmark contest, where the public is asked to design artwork that will be reproduced on one side of the bookmarks given away at the library.

On the other side of the bookmarks, of course, is information about Studio 20 South, the library's unique studio of creativity that allows the public access to various multi-media equiupment.

With just a free space rental, individuals or groups can utilize the studio's array of high-tech equipment, computers and software to produce just about anything.

"Studio 20 South is intended for small groups or individuals who seek to create media projects involving, but not limited to, video, audio, music, photography, graphic design, digitization, virtual reality and desktop fabrication (e.g. 3D printing)," writes the library on its website.

Of course, the bookmarks have become a key part of promoting that library component, which was funded by teh West Hartford Library Foundation and a bequest from Thomas F. Kilfoil.

In this contest, creativity is everything and the designs must fit nicely on a 2-inch-by-6-inche rectangular, bookmark shape.

And, the library doesn't care how you design it, as long as an image is e-mailed to them by April 1.

"We welcome all forms of creativity. The more unique, the better," wrote the library, adding folks can bake their design on a cake or utilize a candle wax demonstration. It doesn't matter.

Contest participants should send submissions in JPEG or PNG format to whplstudio20south@gmail.com and write “bookmark contest” in the subject line. Prizes made in the studio will go out to the winners chosen.

For more information on "Studio 20 South," click on this link.