MOOSE JAW — Moose Jaw’s grassroots Little Libraries initiative is combining art and literacy in a whimsical new way — by inviting residents of all ages to draw a moose.
The group’s latest community project, a bookmark design contest, was launched earlier this month through the Moose Jaw Little Libraries Facebook page. The winning designs will be turned into 3D printed bookmarks and distributed to Little Libraries throughout the city.
“The ‘Draw a Moose’ contest was first posted on the Moose Jaw Little Libraries Facebook page on June 4, with a closing date and (winner selected on) July 1,” said organizer Teresa Davies. “No definite time was stated for the draw but we are thinking around noon.”
Submissions can be made entirely online by uploading an image of a moose drawing in any medium to the contest thread. Davies noted a “simple design is best” to translate into a 3D printable file.
“The drawing can be any medium: pencil, marker, crayon, paint, chalk … (there is) no size restriction to the submission as it will be sized to fit on the top of a bookmark,” she explained.
There are two categories: one for ages 13 and under, and another for ages 14 and up. There’s no limit to the number of submissions any one individual can upload.
Prizes include a battery-operated 3D printed Hogwarts-themed train set for the younger age group and a themed “book nook” with lights for the older category. Each winner will also receive 25 gold-coloured bookmarks featuring their design.
“All entries (with the artist's permission) will be printed on bookmarks over the next while for distribution in the Little Libraries and posted as the profile pic of the Facebook group,” Davies said.
Unlike previous contests where winners were drawn by name, entries in this contest will be numbered and chosen by a random draw in each category. The group plans to post videos of the draws to the Facebook page and contact winners directly.
“We’ll then message the winners to arrange pick-up or drop-off of their prize and bookmarks,” she said.
Davies and her husband, Delmar, launched their own Little Library in fall 2023 and quickly expanded with a second unit dubbed “Puzzles & Pastimes,” which features jigsaw puzzles, toys, craft supplies, and other donated items.
The couple also created a Facebook group in January 2024 to help co-ordinate and promote the growing Little Library network. “There were about 20 known locations at the start and over 40 on the current list,” Davies noted. “A known list of locations can help plan a walk, bike, ride, or drive to visit Little Libraries near you and help discover (new libraries) off one's own familiar route.”
From book swaps and craft kits to can toppers, seed exchanges, and tick removers, the Little Libraries movement has steadily evolved into a local sharing hub.
“It is just an amazing movement within the Moose Jaw community, to share reading and learning material, in addition to other craft, hobby, game, and toy items,” said Davies. “Our hope is that it will continue to contribute to the spirit of sharing.”
For more information, including a map of all current Little Library locations, or to enter the contest, ask to join the group “Moose Jaw Little Libraries” on Facebook. The Little Library run by the Davies family is located at B12 Prairie Oasis.
