Book Nook artwork competition winners unveiled at City Campus library

March 26, 2025

Three HND Visual Communication students have won a competition to create book-inspired artwork for display in Aberdeen City Campus library’s new Book Nook.

With over a hundred staff and students casting votes for their favourite designs, the unveiling saw Emily Ivers, Estere Krista Leve and Anna Matheson crowned as winners last week.

The competition was driven by the library team, who were keen to showcase student artwork in the Book Nook space. Working with teaching staff, the brief was incorporated into the students’ coursework as part of their Digital Imaging unit.

Students were tasked with designing a book cover from a list of popular titles curated by the library team. The winning works were inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale, Animal Farm and The Hobbit.

Cheryl MacLennan, Information Services Librarian, NESCol, said:

“This has been a fantastic collaboration between the library and the Visual Communication team. The creativity and talent of the students shone through, and the winning designs look fantastic in the Book Nook.

“The library is an important space in the College, and we want students to feel a sense of belonging when they walk through its doors. Involving them in designing artwork for the Book Nook has been a fantastic way to give them ownership of the space.”

Reading is a great way to unwind and can significantly enhance your wellbeing. Adults who read for 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to have greater life satisfaction, and one in five say reading stops them feeling lonely¹.

Understanding the importance of reading as a hobby and its benefits for wellbeing, the library team decided to dedicate an area of the library to this. The Book Nook provides students with a space to relax and take some time out to read for pleasure.

Following this year’s success, the team hope to run the competition annually and continue to feature student work.