2023 Culture Pass Book Display Winners

This February & March, almost a hundred branches across the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library systems competed in the second Culture Pass citywide book display contest, creating colorful and dynamic displays around the theme of "The Creative City," celebrating New York as a source of inspiration for generations of artists, performers, and writers.

More than 5,500 patrons cast votes for their favorite branches, and the 12 favorites from each system were then sent to a jury of artists, authors, and cultural leaders, who convened virtually on Wednesday, March 29th, to select a winner and runner-up from each system. One grand prize citywide winner was then selected from the three systemwide winners.

Below are the winners and finalists from all three library systems. Congratulations to all who competed!

Citywide Winner: Greenpoint, Brooklyn Public Library

Our display features an artist sewing a quilt, sitting in front of a window, looking out on the city. Basing our concept around communal creativity and upcycling, we papier-mâchéd the figure from old local newspapers, highlighting our neighborhood and library’s focus on environmentalism. Inspired by our branch’s mending programs, we created the quilt using recycled materials. The quilt’s interior patches represent Culture Pass organizations, including at least one from each borough, with an emphasis on Brooklyn. Local kids created the border patches. This display was created by members of the staff and neighborhood representing what a creative city truly means.