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Ariadne Kritonos

❤️ A love letter to my favorite library


Hi there,

Recently, I seem to have been thinking a lot about libraries.

I've been hunting down a couple of rare books and at the same time, happened to watch a wonderful movie called The Librarians (which I highly recommend). Between the two, I've been thinking a lot about how much libraries contribute to our lives and how easily we forget it.

So this got me thinking about my favorite library. The Wallingford Public Library.

Now, if any of my friends or family are reading this, they're probably rolling their eyes, because I talk about it all the time!

But I can't help it. It's one of those places that keeps surprising me.

The Collaboratory

Yes, they have fantastic lectures, workshops and events throughout the year. But, the real gem is their creative makerspace, called the Collaboratory.

The first time I walked in, it felt like being back in art school!

The Collaboratory offers professional-grade equipment and design software, along with staff who are incredibly generous with their knowledge and always happy to help you figure things out.

Over the years, I've used the space for all sorts of projects and experiments. It's where I designed and produced the packaging for my silk scarves and just last week I printed new mugs for my product line.

I've also made a laser-etched leather bookmark, printed a tote bag, and created digitally printed fabric all with my own designs.

Some thoughts

Libraries are so much more than buildings filled with books. They are places of learning, creativity, connection and opportunity. But, most importantly they are some of the very few spaces that remain free and accessible by all.

I'm incredibly grateful for them. If this has inspired you to visit your local library, please do!

And make sure you contact me to tell me about it! I'd love to hear all about your favorite library.

Until next time!


Let's stay connected!

Ariadne Kritonos

Ariadne is an artist and surface pattern designer. Her unique style is inspired by Greek folk motifs and shapes of the 18th/19th century. She is fascinated by their symbolic meanings and what they represented to the women who wore or embroidered them. Her goal is to bring them out of the archives and into our everyday lives.

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