About the Contest
To celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month (September 2026), the Boston Public Library is launching a library card design contest. Help us celebrate! One adult, one teen, and one youth winner will see their design printed on special limited edition library cards used at the library in 2026-2027.
Honorable mention winners will be featured on the library website and social media.
We’re looking for designs that focus on the library and what it means to you. Designs will be selected by library staff based on artistic merit, creativity, and the message communicated. How does the Boston Public Library inspire you? What does "Free to All" mean to you? Get creative!
All submissions must agree to the Photo/Creative Works Release and be submitted online by Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Only complete entries will be reviewed. If chosen as a winner, the BPL will contact you directly. Winners will have the opportunity to be featured alongside their design if of interest.
Thank you for your interest in the Boston Public Library's Card Design Contest!
Contest Rules
The Boston Public Library Card Design Contest is open to all BPL cardholders. Don’t have a card yet? You can sign up for a free eCard online or visit any BPL location to get one.
Entries must be completed via the official application form, available online, including an agreement to the Photo/Creative Works Release. Only complete entries will be reviewed.
The submitted entry must be the creative and original work of a single individual. No AI-generated content will be allowed.
Artwork must be in the form of high resolution (300 dpi) digitally drawn or photographic submissions, or paper submissions using physical art materials and uploaded digitally.
Designs should reflect the following card dimensions: 3 3/8” wide x 2 1/8” high (approx. 1.59:1 aspect ratio). The provided optional template includes 1/8” bleed to the card. Keep in mind that the official Boston Public Library logo will be placed in a corner of the card.
One entry per contestant.
The deadline to submit card design entries is Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm.