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Community Corner

Westfield Library joins with artist to create limited edition card

The Westfield Memorial Library has collaborated with local fine artist Ricardo Roig to design a Limited-Edition library card.

(May 6, 2024) The Westfield Memorial Library has collaborated with local fine artist Ricardo Roig to design a Limited-Edition library card. The card, which is a colorful digital replica of Roig’s hand-cut print of the library, is based on an aerial photograph taken by Garrett Maney.

The limited-edition library card will be available for free to anyone who signs up for a new library card. Existing cardholders can purchase one as a replacement for $2.00. All replacement cards will have new library card numbers.

The original framed “artist’s proof” of the card will be on permanent display in the library’s newly renovated Local History Room.

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This is a good time for Westfielders to make sure that they have current/active cards in advance of the upcoming migration to a new Interlibrary Loan System (ILS), taking place in mid-May. The library will not be able to issue new or replacement library cards from June 4 through June 13.

“I have been admiring Mr. Roig’s artwork since I joined the library in 2021,” said Allen McGinley, Library Director. “So I was delighted that Ricardo was interested in creating a piece based on Westfield’s beloved library.”

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“In keeping with the library’s mission to bring information and learning experiences to all,” said McGinley, “we joked that this was our chance to make sure everyone in town – even kids – could have their own ‘Roig’.”

Ricardo Roig’s hand-cut print was inspired by an aerial photograph of the library taken by local photographer Garrett Maney, of Just A Soul Photography located in downtown Westfield.

“Garrett and Ricardo are both fixtures in our local downtown and art communities, so I love the way this collaboration came together,” says McGinley.

Visit the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/ to sign up for a library card and learn more about the library’s resources and programs. Visit the library at 550 East Broad Street to obtain a new or replacement card.

Library hours are Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. The library will be closed May 12 for Mother’s Day and May 25-27 for Memorial Day weekend.

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