TrashedArt Contest
In March and April of 2025, art will be displayed for the 16th Annual TrashedArt Contest at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch. Patrons will have a chance to view photographs of the artwork and vote for the “People’s Choice” awards in-person at each of the nine branches and virtually on the MCLS’ website. Winners will be announced at the TrashedArt Contest Reception at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m.
The contest is limited to one entry per artist. Classes or groups may participate only if they register ahead of time. Visit mcl.org/events/trashedart/ for details. The library will accept artwork no earlier than Tuesday, February 25, and no later than Tuesday, March 4. Selected artwork will be on display at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch throughout the month of March and April. Adult patrons (ages 14 and up) who live, work or go to school in Mercer County are eligible to participate.
Entries must be original artwork, no larger than 2.5’ by 2.5’ by 2.5’ and no heavier than 10 pounds. Any art medium is acceptable, so long as a minimum of 75 percent recycled content is used. Some examples of recycled content include metals, paper, rubber, glass (but no sharp shards), plastic, and cloth. A recycled item is anything that has been manufactured and would have otherwise been thrown away. Non-recyclable materials such as glue, paint, tape, etc. are permitted. For the purposes of this contest, natural materials such as rocks, dirt, bones, and sticks are not considered recycled. The Mercer County Library System will not be held responsible for any damage, theft or loss to art entries.
Contest entry forms are available online at www.mcl.org/events/trashedart. All accepted art entries will be publicly displayed at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System. Photographs of the artwork will be displayed in-person at each branch of the Mercer County Library System and virtually on the Mercer County Library System’s website. The photographs will be used for patrons to vote for the “People’s Choice” awards, and to create a virtual gallery which will be shared on the Mercer County Library System’s social media channels and website. To view past virtual galleries, visit the Mercer County Library System’s YouTube Channel or visit www.mcl.org/events/trashedart.
Entries will be anonymously judged by local artists and representatives of the Mercer County Library System on creativity, originality, and artistic merit. Judging will take place at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch before Wednesday, April 9. Grand prize winners in first, second, and third place, will be awarded and announced at the TrashedArt Contest Reception at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch on Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. Winners will have the opportunity to be featured on the MCLS “Behind the Books” podcast and featured on MCLS social media. Patrons will also have a chance to vote for the “People’s Choice” awards in-person at each of the Mercer County Library System’s branches and virtually through the MCLS website. Each branch will announce their “People’s Choice” award winners at the TrashedArt Reception as well. Register online for the TrashedArt Reception at www.mcl.org.
Book Festival
Mercer County Library System invites local authors to participate in its inaugural Book Festival, to be held on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence. This celebration of literature and storytelling brings together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts throughout Mercer County and beyond. Whether you are an established author or an emerging voice, the Book Festival offers a unique platform to share your stories and inspire others.
Local authors and writing groups of all backgrounds and genres are invited to apply to host tables at the festival. Applications will be accepted until Saturday, March 15. Accepted participants should anticipate a $35 table fee. If accepted, authors will be notified by April 15. Applications are available on the library’s web site at mcl.org/mcls-book-festival-2025/.
The Book Festival will feature panels about writing and publishing in different genres, authors discussing their books, and plenty of crafts and kid-friendly performances. More information about the festival and library’s many other programs is available on the MCLS web site at www.mcl.org.
Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Acts of Kindness
The Mercer County Library System invites community members to celebrate the spirit of service and compassion by participating in an event designed to bring joy to those in need. Through Saturday, February 1 individuals, families, and groups of all ages are invited to write letters and create heartfelt cards for homebound Mercer County Meals on Wheels patrons.
By coming together to support isolated seniors, we can reflect on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a “beloved community” and take tangible steps to build one. Meals on Wheels recipients, many of whom face loneliness and limited mobility, deeply appreciate these gestures of kindness and connection.
All materials for card-making and letter-writing are provided at all nine branches of the Mercer County Library System. Attendees may stop by their local branch, during regular operating hours. Additional details are available at www.mcl.org. They are encouraged to bring their creativity and compassion as we brighten the day for local seniors.
