Designs created by talented Coromandel locals Helena Mayer, Joseph Morcom and Bev Lindsay will appear on the Thames-Coromandel District Libraries new library cards.

The competition was part of the Thames Library's 25th anniversary celebrations, and along with having their artworks adorning the new cards all three winners walked away with a brand new Android tablet.

Children Category winner Helena Mayer's design. Image: Helena Mayer/TCDL

HELENA MAYER - Children Category Winner (5-12 years):

Te Puru School student Helena Mayer says it was really amazing to be one of the three competition winners.

'I love reading and think that the book with the pages made into a heart reflects the ‘love my life, love my library' idea,” says Helena. 'I love the library because the books and librarians are very awesome.”

Helena, who is a very active library user, volunteer, and Young Library Champs group member, already had a tablet so donated her prize to the cancer ward at Thames Hospital.

Teen Category winner Joseph Morcom's design. Image: Joseph Morcom/TCDL

JOSEPH MORCOM – Teen Category Winner (13-17 years):

Joseph Morcom explains he joined the library to enter the competition and experimented with a number of designs before testing them on his family.

'My mum said she liked the brightly coloured one because it would be the easiest to find in your wallet," he says. 'I suppose a lot of people have an ideal holiday dream where they can lie on the beach and read a book and I think my card probably appealed to people for this reason.”

Joseph also appreciated the decision to open the design of the new library cards to the community.

He says it was nice to have the library card brief given to the public rather than just one designer so everyone could have a go.

'I was stoked to win a tablet,” says Joseph.

Adult Category winner Bev Lindsay's design. Image: Bev Lindsay/TCDL

BEV LINDSAY – Adult Category Winner (18+ years):

Bev Lindsay moved to Thames over a year ago to be closer to her Auckland family and says she loves her view of the sea and the gorgeous sunsets.

It was her love of these views which inspired her translate what she saw to her library card design entry.

'When I heard about the art competition I saw a picture in my mind straight away of what I ended up painting, so that is why I decided to enter,” explains Bev. 'The medium I used was acrylic which is what I prefer to use now, although I have tried oils and pastels in the past.”

Bev has dabbled in art over many years but started painting seriously about three years ago when living in New Plymouth. Bev belonged to two art galleries where she sold her paintings.

'It was a lovely surprise to win the adult section of the Library Competition,” she adds, 'and my Wellington grandchildren were very pleased when I gave them my prize.”

The Thames-Coromandel District Libraries would like to thank everyone who entered the competition and congratulates all the finalists and overall winners.

For more information about what's happening at your local library visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/libraries