A new children’s library card featuring artwork from local Territory artist Dion Beasley and featured in the book Too Many Cheeky Dogs, was launched at Darwin City Library today.

The special edition library cards aim to inspire children of all ages to join the library and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Dion, from Tennant Creek, is an accomplished visual artist who started his career in 2006 with the launch of his Cheeky Dogs T-shirt line. The much loved cheeky dogs also appear in etchings and paintings.

His success is particularly remarkable given Dion has muscular dystrophy and is profoundly deaf.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said “City of Darwin is delighted to provide children in our community with these special library cards.”

“The fact that the work of such a well-known Territory artist is being featured will ensure they are treasured by every child who receives one.”

Artist Dion Beasley said he was thrilled to be involved with the project, “I hope that these library cards will encourage more children to read and enjoy reading.”

“I love seeing Cheeky Dog on the library cards and it’s been wonderful seeing how excited the children are to get one.”

Libraries offer resources and services that give children the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. City of Darwin has four libraries, in Darwin City, Casuarina, Karama and Nightcliff that offer the community with a range of services, including book borrowing, author talks, children’s story time, writing workshops and computer access.

For more information please visit: www.darwin.nt.gov.au/libraries