Book covers can be works of art, and an exhibit on display in the library this month aims to show the art, craft, and beauty of books by eight regional publishers.
“This exhibit presents the high-quality book design and publishing being done in New Brunswick,” says Keith Helmuth (pictured left), editor of Chapel Street Editions, which developed the exhibit. His son, graphic artist Brendan Helmuth (pictured right), designs Chapel Street's books.
The New Brunswick Book Design Exhibit on display at the R.P. Bell consists of about 50 enlarged book cover images mounted on panels in the library's main entrance area, and about 25 books on a table, for closer examination of both cover design and bookmaking. Two first-edition Anchorage Press books, created by Mount Allison Fine Arts professor Thaddeus Holownia, are also in a glass display case. 
Chapel Street created the exhibit in cooperation with Goose Lane Editions, The Fiddlehead, Gaspereau Press, The Anchorage Press, Rabbittown Press, Monster House Publishing, and Chocolate River Publishing.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Keith and Brendan Helmuth organized an evening of author readings on March 1, featuring poets Allan Cooper and Jane Tims, novelist and memoirist Beth Powning, and novelist Peter J. Clair. All of these authors have books in the display and in our library's collection.
Since some of the books in the display are beautifully designed children's books, Keith Helmuth also suggested a children's event. He invited five children's authors, and on March 17 -- in a first for the R.P. Bell -- we had dramatic readings and sounds of honking geese and monsters on the main floor of the library. About 17 parents and 15 children came to meet Camelia Airheart, the wandering New Brunswick Canada Goose (authors Odette Barr, Colleen Landry, and Beth Weatherbee); Herman the Monster (author Paul McAllister, pictured left); and Kit and the Calico Cat (author Brigitte Marsden).
The Library extends sincere thanks to Chapel Street Editions for organizing these events and bringing the Exhibit to Sackville.
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