Lincoln City Libraries Announces Library Card Design Contest Winner

Tuesday, 01 August 2023 15:52

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Lincoln City Libraries (LCL) today announced Hazel Pinegar as the winner of its Library Card Design Contest. Pinegar is 6 years old and will be a first grade student at Elliott Elementary School, where her mom, Amy, also teaches. Cards featuring the new design are expected to be available in September, during Library Card Sign-up Month.

Pinegar’s design, entitled “Reading is for Everyone!” features a self-portrait with her signature braids, and a full-color rainbow on a blue sky background. Pinegar said that her “reading is for everyone” message extends to her friends who speak different languages. Pinegar added she hopes to learn Spanish like some of her friends, and she is glad the library has books in Spanish.

Lincoln and Lancaster County artists up to age 11 were invited in May to submit artwork to appear on the LCL library card. More than 200 artists submitted designs. A panel of judges selected the top three finalists, and the winning design was selected by community members via an online vote. This was the first time LCL invited readers to submit art to appear on official library cards.

“The enthusiasm shown by kids in the card design contest is a beautiful example of how children and families recognize the joy found in a library card. We’re happy for Hazel, and thrilled that thousands of others will be able to enjoy her creativity every time they check out a book,” said Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries Director.

Lincoln City Libraries thanks all the artists who participated in the contest, as well as the community members who voted on the designs. Card design contests for older readers are also being considered, and the current card design will remain available.

“Besides providing a platform for local artists to shine, the contest also fostered a sense of unity and enthusiasm within the community,” said Traci Glass, LCL Assistant Director. “The submissions, featuring a diverse range of styles and concepts, demonstrated the power of art in connecting people and inspiring imaginations.”