WESTFIELD — The Westfield Memorial Library has collaborated with local artist Jenn Wilner to design a “limited-edition” library card. The card, which celebrates imagination and the wonders of reading, is available now and free to anyone who signs up for a new library card.

Only 500 of these custom cards will be issued, and they will be available for a limited time only. Existing cardholders can purchase one as a replacement for $2, but all replacement cards will have new library-card numbers.

The artist also has donated an original painting of the artwork, which will be on display at the library, after framing is complete.

“This painting, created exclusively for the library, is meant to touch upon the joy of reading and all the different written types of genres found in books,” explained Ms. Wilner, who was the library’s first Artist-in-Residence in 2024. “The figure in the image reminds us that the powerful force of reading combined with our imagination can take us to places beyond our everyday lives.”

ABachelor of FineArts graduate in Communications Design at the Syracuse University School of Visual and Performing Arts, Ms. Wilner had a career spanning more than 30 years as a graphic/web designer.

Since leaving the corporate world, she has been involved with multiple artistic activities in Westfield. She created a five-year Art Appreciation program for Tamaques Elementary School, with each presentation featuring a well-known artist or art movement with audio/visual aids and stepby- step project instructions and supplies.

Ms. Wilner’s artwork is displayed in many public spaces, among them the Tamaques Park Pavilion, and a painting of hers currently is part of the Westfield Central Avenue Public Art exhibition.

“I was thrilled when I saw Jenn’s design for a custom library card,” said Westfield Memorial Library Director Allen McGinley. “One of the most fundamental roles of the public library is to ignite the imagination of our youngest visitors. And I thought Jenn’s piece captured this perfectly.”

This card is the second in a series of collaborations with local artists to produce limited-edition library cards. The previous card was designed by fine artist Ricardo Roig.

To sign up for a library card and learn more about the library’s resources and programs, visit the library’s website at https://wmlnj.org/ . To obtain a new or replacement card, visit the library at 550 East Broad Street.

Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The library will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24 and 25, for Christmas; be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, for NewYear’s Eve; and be closed on Wednesday, January 1, for New Year’s Day.