Meet Readador, from Suffolk Libraries’ PAWS-itivity art sculpture trail.

When we heard about Suffolk Libraries PAWS-itivity campaign, involving the community, local artists, and labradors, our ears pricked up.

The PAWS-itivity art sculpture event was launched at the Suffolk Show in late May to bring together the community as a whole from local businesses, organisations, community groups, schools, artists and library users in a celebration of all that’s great about Suffolk.

The fundraising campaign has engaged over forty local artists and community groups who have captured Suffolk’s creativity by producing a huge pack of colourful dog sculptures dubbed the ‘Library Labradors’.

When the Library Labradors were auctioned off to new homes last month, Readador ‘jumped up at us’ as the Labrador to bid on as we loved his clear connection to reading. The Society was delighted to give Readador a new home, and support the community work that charity Suffolk Libraries does across Suffolk at the same time.

Readador is going to begin his life with the Society living in the Woodbridge branch, where he’ll feel at home with its many canine visitors. He may go walkies to other branches in the future!

The artist who created Readador, Marjoke Henrichs, is a children’s book illustrator who lives in Suffolk. Marjoke is going to make an appearance alongside Readador at our Woodbridge branch, with some signed copies of her book available. We’ll add details to our blog in the near future.

Alex Downing, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Suffolk Libraries visited our Woodbridge branch to see Readador’s unveiling. She commented:

“Readador looks superb in his new home, with a great vista of Woodbridge Thoroughfare. We’ve learned that there is a Woodbridge pack of Library Labradors. Woodbridge Books, Woodbridge School and Woodbridge Library have all given a forever home to a dog sculpture and helped Suffolk Libraries work as a charity at the same time. We can’t thank you enough for your support, Suffolk Building Society. The funds raised from the campaign will all help to fund crucial services that reduce social, digital and rural isolation across Suffolk.”

Majorke and Bramble.

Photo credit: Bailey’s Photography.

Photo credit: Bailey’s photography.

Readador.

Alex (Suffolk Libraries) and Benny (Suffolk Building Society) photographed with Readador at our Woodbridge branch.

Nathan, Luke and Wendy from Suffolk Building Society photographed with Readador.