Graphic design students at Pennsylvania College of Technology have taken inspiration from a Little Golden Books exhibition on campus in creating their own, modern versions of the classic children’s book illustrations.

Students enrolled in Illustration classes were tasked with illustrating and designing a two-page spread from one of 33 Little Golden Books. In creating new versions of the illustrations, the students could utilize the computer, hand draw with color pencils or paint, or craft a 3D expression. The results of their efforts are exhibited on the first floor of The Madigan Library.

On the third floor of the library, The Gallery at Penn College is hosting “Golden Legacy: Original Art from 75 Years of Golden Books” through March 30.

“The children’s book assignment was my favorite assignment I have been given in the graphic design program so far,” said Abigail V. Thomas, of South Williamsport. “I had so much fun with it, and it really allowed me to explore some new mediums and get super creative.”

Karen L. Trinh, a graphic design student from Harrisburg, also holds fond memories of Little Golden Books.

She appreciated the “creative freedom” the task allowed and seeing the imaginative interpretations of her peers. “It shows how differently our minds work even though we are given the same assignment,” she said.

Graphic design student Alexis M. Burrell, of Danville, also enjoyed the artistic exploration the assignment offered.

“The medium was completely our choice, so many of us, including me, took a break from the computer screen,” she said. “It was very different from what we usually do, which gave us new opportunities to challenge ourselves.”

The graphic design illustration project is one example of the ways The Madigan Library and The Gallery at Penn College strive to engage students in outreach activities related to exhibits and special events.

The students’ display can be viewed during regular library hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 2 a.m. Sundays.