The Greenpoint Public Library in Brooklyn has been named the city-wide winner of the Culture Pass Book Display Competition for their unique and environmentally conscious entry. The display, including a figure made of papier-mâché from old newspapers, featured an artist sewing a quilt. The display highlighted the library and the neighborhood's focus on environmentalism, and the quilt itself was made with recycled materials. Additionally, children from the community created the border patches for the quilt, adding a local personal touch to the display.

The Culture Pass Book Display Competition is an annual event that invites libraries across New York City to create book displays that showcase their creativity, with the goal of encouraging readers both young and old. The theme of this year’s contest is "The Creative City," and almost one hundred branches from the three library systems (Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens) created book displays around this theme. The goal of the initial round is to narrow down the displays to a list of finalists with the help of public voting. After the public voting period ends, the most popular displays move on to the final round of the contest, where a panel of artists, creatives, and cultural leaders select a first-place winner and first runner-up from each of the three library systems. One of the three system-wide winners is then be named the best book display citywide. This year’s first round garnered over 9,500 votes, and with such talented competition, we’re super proud that Greenpoint’s own public library emerged victorious!

Culture Pass is a collaborative program coordinated by Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Public Library and The New York Public Library for cardholding patrons who are 13 and older. Using their library card, New Yorkers can reserve a pass and get free admission to dozens of NYC cultural institutions, including museums, historical societies, heritage centers, public gardens and more. With more than 80 participating organizations, there is something for everyone — from fine art and history, to nature or photography. Click here to reserve your Culture Pass. 

The Greenpoint Public Library's award winning Culture Pass Book Display is a beautiful and inspiring example of how libraries can promote important social and environmental issues. If you haven’t already been, we hope you’ll stop by and show some support to this amazing institution! The NYC public library system welcomes you to dive into knowledge and fun available in your community. For information on how to sign up for your library card, click here.