Reading Public Library and Reading Pride Celebration have announced Anu Morgan as the winner of a library card art contest held in recognition of the 20th anniversary of Berks Pride Fest and Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Morgan’s design, titled “Living Pride,” is featured on a new limited-edition Pride library card available through Reading Public Library while supplies last.
The contest invited Berks County artists to submit original artwork reflecting the LGBTQ+ community, Reading Pride Celebration’s mission and values, and themes of equity, respect, love and joy.
Three local artists submitted designs: Sebastian Hoover with “Books of Pride,” Morgan with “Living Pride,” and Craig Schaffer with “Rainbow Road.”
Community members participated in the selection process throughout July, casting 303 votes among the three designs. A four-member judging panel representing Reading Public Library, Reading Pride Celebration and the community also evaluated the submissions based on criteria that included creativity and originality. The community vote was considered as part of the final decision.
“This project has been about community participation from the very beginning,” said Sean Flannery, president of Reading Pride Celebration. “We asked local artists to share what Pride, belonging, and our community mean to them, and then invited the community to be part of the process. Seeing more than 300 votes cast for just three designs shows how much people connected with the artwork.”
Flannery thanked the participating artists, judges, voters and Reading Public Library for their involvement in the project.
“We are excited to share this beautiful new card with our patrons and recognize everyone who helped bring the project to life,” said Jennifer Bressler, assistant director of Reading Public Library.
All three submitted designs are on display throughout September at the Reading Public Library’s Main Library, 100 S. Fifth St., as part of Library Card Sign-Up Month.
The limited-edition card featuring Morgan’s “Living Pride” is available at no cost to people eligible for a Reading Public Library card while supplies last.
