New Finglas Library art competition a huge success
Published on 19th July 2021
After many years of rumour and speculation, the citizens of Finglas are finally getting a brand new library. As part of the consultation process, we asked local children for their input. We ran an art competition for children of primary school age, on the basis that it would encourage them to be creative and imaginative with their ideas.
The local schools were hugely helpful in the process, encouraging the children to participate, the competition was advertised on social media as well as in the branch. By the closing date, we had two hundred and eighty-one entries.
The children showed great imagination and creativity, not to mention wonderful artistic ability. They had some interesting suggestions such as hammocks and chocolate fountains, as well as quirky furniture and vibrant colours.
Surely every library should have a chocolate fountain?
There was a huge level of awareness around inclusivity and access for everyone. Lots of the entries had quiet areas for children who may struggle with bright lights or noisy surroundings. Others suggested special facilities for people with visual impairment and ramps for wheelchair users.
It was very difficult to whittle down the almost three hundred entries to a short list which could be handed over to our judge for the final decision. Children’s author and illustrator Alan Nolan was very impressed by the standard of the entries and examined each one in great detail before picking eight winners in total!
The winning artwork is on display in Finglas library for all to see and admire.
And when we move into our new library, hopefully in 2022, come in and see if we have a chocolate fountain...