New Brunswick never looked so good, as evident by the nearly 100 submissions to the "New Brunswick Unique" photography contest held by the city's Free Public Library.

On Friday the library hosted a reception for participants and announced the four contest winners.

Hosted by the Library, in conjunction with the Heldrich Hotel, librarian Kavita Pandey said the fourth annual competition drew 96 entries, more than double last year's 44 entries.

Participants had to submit photos around town of what they think makes New Brunswick unique or special.

Entries included everything from photographs of the Raritan River, a collage of nightlife spots around New Brunswick, and several photos of the fountain outside of the Children's Specialized Hospital on Somerset Street.

Participation in the contest was open to all, with the youngest participant being four years old, Pandey said.

"It (the contest) has shown the talent of so many people in New Brunswick, and frankly shown how beautiful New Brunswick is," said library director Robert Belvin, at the reception.

Additionally, three free photography workshops held over the summer drew upwards of 50 people each, she said.

The winning photo, "Angel Up High," was taken by Michael Tublin.

Christina Hoyos took second place with "Unique Stand", and Carlos Mauricio Benegas won third place with "July 4th, New Brunswick".

Additionally, the library staff chose the "Popularity Award" winner, which was "Trees and Lamp Posts," by Anantha Vankata.

The photos were judged by a panel of judges, including Greg Ritter of George Street Camera, Gus Menezes, a professional photographer with the Home News Tribune, Andrew Darlow, a photographer and author, Alison Brown of the Heldrich Hotel and Jean Holtz of DEVCO.

Photography entries will be displayed at the library through September 30, and at the Heldrich Hotel through September 13.

The program was funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, with assistance from a grant provided by the state Council on the Arts, Pandey said.