All of our PAWS-itivity Library Labradors have safely arrived at their libraries and are now available to visit over the summer holidays!
Suffolk Libraries is the charity which runs Suffolk’s library service. PAWS-itivity is designed to spread some positivity, colour and fun across Suffolk this summer, whilst helping to raise money to support the vital work of the organisation in the community.
The dogs all feature designs individually created by local artists and take their inspiration from various sources such as Ed Sheeran, The Beatles, David Bowie, Kate Bush and well-known authors.
The entire collection of 48 sculptures and other dog-related artwork was first unveiled at the Suffolk Show where the Ed Sheeran inspired ‘Castle on the Dog’ by Lois Cordelia was voted by visitors as their favourite.
Huge colourful images of the dogs were projected onto the walls of Framlingham Castle recently by Motion Mapping and they have all now taken up residence in libraries for the summer.
A list and an interactive Google map of where each dog or artwork can be found is available on our website, along with more information about the campaign. The dogs will be in libraries until 3 September.
Suffolk Libraries is asking anyone keen on buying one for themselves to save the date of 12 October when the big fundraising auction takes place at Trinity Park.
Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said:
“We’re thrilled to see the PAWS-itivity dogs arrive in our libraries. They’re vibrancy is the result of lots of hard work from our amazing artists and the generous support of our sponsors. The summer is a very busy time in libraries with the Summer Reading Challenge, Blank Page programme and many other free or low-cost activities on offer. We know our PAWS-itivity dogs will provide an added attraction for people over the summer and I’d encourage you to drop into your local library to check out your library lab!”
Suffolk Libraries is also hosting a raffle for the chance to win one of several prizes, including Charmain McKissock’s fabric ‘Book & Woof’ dog, which is inspired by Charmain’s project where children can read to therapy dogs.
Other prizes include annual passes to Jimmy’s Farm for two adults and two children, as well as signed copies of Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz, The Frog’s Kiss by James Mayhew, Read! Said Rabbit by Marjoke Henrichs and Gaspard’s Foxtrot by Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew.
For the chance to win, text WOOF to 70215 and make a suggested donation of £2 to enter the draw. Full terms and conditions are available to read on our website.
A new souvenir guide to all the dogs will also soon be available to accompany the campaign. It will be available from libraries in Suffolk for £3 and will also soon be available to download for free from the Suffolk Libraries website.
