Artists from 5 to 87 took discarded books to create 50 sculptures to endorse the National Year of Reading.

The pieces can be seen in an exhibition at the Rolls Hall Monmouth Library/Community Hub until mid-April. “This eclectic display demonstrates skill and invention says librarian Alison Childs.” Awards include a one-to-one lesson with artist Laura Eden; 3 Book Tokens for Stephens Bookshop and Rossiter sponsored by Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers and art materials from Empty Space CIC, better known for their painted Living Windows.

“What an inspiration to see the productive, inventive and successful NYR projects developed between Michelle Curry Lead for Literacy from Monmouth Comprehensive and Saffron Williams Head Librarian from Monmouth School” says Helen Wragg. Together with MCC librarian, Monmouth library team and our U3A the programme develops into its next phase of short story writing, a town trail of book illustrations and film animation. “The Big Draw Festival in October will explore drawing in all forms in this town bursting with artistic talent” says Gill Nicholas.