For the second year, NCW Libraries collaborated with a local artist to design a unique Book Bingo game board.
“The library has a strong history of working with local artists and performers to bring programs to our communities,” said Summer Hayes, Associate Director of Community Libraries. “Bringing local talent into the Book Bingo program is a great way for us to showcase community artists in a new way, and allows for a unique Book Bingo experience each year.”
The artwork for NCW Libraries’ 2026 adult Summer Library Program bingo cards and prizes was designed this year by Methow Valley artist Laura Gunnip.
Gunnip is a teacher, mentor and community activist who has been sharing her talents with the residents of the Methow Valley and beyond for nearly two decades. She operates Fireweed Print Shop, a community print shop and studio that helps students of all ages engage in creativity through letterpress, printmaking classes, and more.
“I really got inspired by this year’s summer reading theme – Plant a Seed, Read,” Laura said in a recent interview. “Immediately I saw the shapes of the seeds. Not only are seeds something we plant in the ground. A seed is also something we plant in our brain. It gives us ideas. I played around with the idea of actually planting seeds in the ground, like a garden, and how ideas are generated and grow when we read.”
Laura added, “I also really love the idea of a bingo card. It’s not just about reading. Let’s go outside. Let’s try new things. These are all great ideas for jumpstarting the imagination.”
Laura said she has a strong connection with the library.
“The library is such an important part of our world here in Twisp,” she said. “It’s such an incredible resource. I’m always getting audiobooks and movies. And I think I’ve read every graphic novel the library has to my kid.”
Laura has been giving back to her community for many years. For about 17 years, she visited local schools to make poetry books with students. She mentors youth in her print shop and works specifically with LGBTQ++ members of the community to engage and support them, “giving them permission to freely express themselves.” Laura shares space in her print shop with Methow Pride.
She has also designed and installed interactive art projects for community gatherings and festivals. Known as “portals”, these installations act as participatory containers, creating space to rest, pause, share, and create. She has also created community wish trees, where people write down their wishes and hang them on a tree, and offered summer camps for kids to create large sculptures.
“I really want to break down the barriers for people to express their creativity,” she said. “Everyone is an artist. They just need a little permission to create. I want everyone to try.”
Earlier this month, Laura collaborated on a program at the Omak Library, offering a popup portrait studio for members of the LGBTQ++ community.
Laura said she recently attended Chelan Pride Fest, where the Chelan Library was signing people up for the Summer Library Program.
“It was so fun seeing people walking around with my artwork on the library bingo cards,” she said. “It was such a pleasure to do this project.”
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