More than 40 dog sculptures that have been created by local artists will feature in a 'Paw-some' new event.

Suffolk Libraries has launched its largest-ever fundraising campaign, which will see PAWS-itivity unveiled in each of the county's libraries over the Summer.

With 45 dog sculptures set to feature, the dogs will set up home in their libraries - including Lowestoft, Southwold, Oulton Broad, Kessingland, Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth - following a tour of Suffolk at a number of events including a launch at the Suffolk Show.

They will then return to Trinity Park to be auctioned in late September.

The event aims to raise money to support Suffolk Libraries work at the heart of the community. It will also raise awareness of Suffolk Libraries as an independent charity that needs additional funding to nurture literacy, improve health and wellbeing and create accessible arts opportunities for local people.

PAWS-itivity will also work with three other charities to highlight the work they do with Suffolk Libraries linking up with Pets as Therapy, Suffolk Pride and Realise Futures. 

The sculptures and a number of other artworks and rare books will be auctioned in late September 2023 to raise crucial funds for Suffolk Libraries.

Bruce Leeke, chief executive at Suffolk Libraries, said: "We’re delighted to be launching this exciting new project to bring fun and colour to people across Suffolk whilst also raising much needed funds to support the work of our charity.

"We hope lots of local businesses, artists and people will want to help us raise ‘pounds for hounds’ this summer and enjoy our pack of delightfully designed dogs!"

The sculptures have been dubbed the ‘Library Labradors’, and Suffolk Libraries is looking for sponsors for PAWS-itivity who would be keen to get involved.

To make it possible for as many organisations as possible to be involved, the sponsorship has been priced at cost to cover a fair fee for each artist and the core costs of the delivery of the campaign.

It means that main sponsors can be involved at a cost of £5,000 for a chance to sponsor five different sculptures.

For more information about sponsoring one of the dogs, visit the PAWS-itivity sponsorship page.