Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

Library Card Design contest:
Reading is revolutionary

Calling all artists in grades K-7!

Create a design with the theme “Reading is Revolutionary” and it might be chosen as a limited edition library card design!

Submit your entry between April 1 and April 30th, 2026.



Online Entry Form

Printable Entry Form

Contest overview

  1. Children in grades K-7 are invited to design a library card with the theme “Reading is Revolutionary”.
  2. One design will be selected as a winner. The winning design will be printed as a limited edition library card, available starting in September for National Library Card Sign Up Month.
  3. Reading Public Library staff will blindly review all entries based on judging criteria.
  4. The top 10 entries will continue to a second round of judging done by the Trustees of the Reading Public Library
  5. The criteria for judging is as follows:

    Creativity
    Originality and artistic expression
    Relevance to theme
    How well the design reflects the theme “Reading is Revolutionary”
    Visual Impact
    Overall appeal and clarity of the design
    Usability
    How well the design will function as a library card (i.e. readability, appropriate use of space)

  6. Winners will be notified by phone no later than June 1.
  7. The winning design will also be announced at the Summer Reading kickoff on June 12 and all entries may be shared online and on display in the Library.

Judging Criteria

  1. The Reading Public Library Card Design Contest is open to all Reading, MA residents in grades K-7 or equivalent ages.
  2. Entries must be completed via an official application, available at the Reading Public Library or online, and accompanied by a signed Creative Works Release form. Only complete entries will be accepted.
  3. The submitted entry must be the creative and original work of a single individual. Limit one entry per individual.
  4. Entries may not contain copyrighted material, offensive language, inappropriate images, or AI-generated components. Do not include your name in the artwork.
  5. Artwork must be in the form of high resolution (300 dpi) digital submissions, or paper submissions using physical art materials.
  6. Artwork must be two-dimensional for printing purposes.
  7. Designs should reflect the following card dimensions: 3.375” by 2.125”, with space reserved on the right side for library information to be printed. The provided template includes ⅛” bleed to the borders.
  8. Designs should reflect the theme “Reading is Revolutionary”.
  9. Entries can be dropped off at the Reading Public Library or via the online entry form on the Library website.
  10. The deadline to submit card design entries is 4/30/2026 at 9 pm.