Here's your chance to design a new Boston Public Library card

"The contest will run from May 15 through June 15 in preparation for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, the library said in a press release Thursday. The winners will have their original artwork featured on circulated Boston Public Library (BPL) cards starting that month. One winner each will be selected from three separate age groups: youth (ages 0-12), teens (ages 13-17), and adults (ages 18 and up). Honorable mentions will be featured on the library's website and social media pages, according to the BPL."

"Participants have been asked to base their designs on "what the library means to them and their communities." BPL staff will evaluate submissions on artistic merit, creativity, and how they convey the library's message, including its "Free to All" motto. All BPL cardholders are eligible to enter, with one submission allowed per entrant. Entries must be original works by a single individual, and AI-generated content will not be accepted, according to the library."

"Entrants should submit their designs through the library's online application form by 5 p.m. on June 15, the BPL said. Artwork must be high-resolution and formatted to match library card dimensions. Winning designers will be contacted directly and may be featured alongside their designs on library platforms. Full guidelines and additional details can be found here."

The Boston Public Library invites artists of all ages to submit original designs for new library cards. The contest runs May 15 through June 15 to prepare for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September. Winners are selected from three age groups: youth ages 0–12, teens ages 13–17, and adults ages 18 and up. Each winner’s artwork will appear on circulated BPL library cards starting in September. Honorable mentions will be featured on the library’s website and social media. Designs should reflect what the library means to participants and their communities, including the “Free to All” motto. Submissions are evaluated for artistic merit, creativity, and message clarity. One entry per person is allowed, AI-generated content is not accepted, and entries must be high-resolution and formatted to card dimensions.

Read at Boston.com