WESTFIELD — The Westfield Memorial Library has collaborated with local fine artist Ricardo Roig to design a limited-edition library card. The card is a colorful digital replica of Mr. Roig’s hand-cut print of the library.
The limited-edition library card will be available free of charge to anyone who signs up for a new library card. Existing cardholders can purchase one as a replacement for $2. 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 newlyrenovated Local History Room.
“ 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 advised in a statement. “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 Library Director Allen McGinley. “So I was delighted that Ricardo was interested in creating a piece based on Westfield’s beloved library.
“In keeping with the library’s mission to bring information and learning experiences to all,” continued Mr. McGinley, “we joked that this was our chance to make sure everyone in town — even kids — could have their own ‘Roig’.” Mr. Roig’s handcut 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,” said Mr. McGinley.
To sign up for a library card and learn more about the library’s resources and programs, access the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/. To obtain a new or replacement card, visit the library at 550 East Broad Street.
Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The library will be closed Saturday through Monday, May 25 to 27, for Memorial Day weekend.
