Skip to main content
Hands holding up an Austin Public Library card

Austin Public Library Launches Centennial Library Card Art Contest

Community members invited to design new library cards as part of Centennial Celebrations

Austin, TX – Austin Public Library is inviting the community to help shape the next chapter of its story through the Centennial Library Card Art Contest, a public art initiative celebrating the library’s 100th anniversary.

As part of Austin Public Library’s Centennial Celebrations, the contest will invite library cardholders of all ages to submit original artwork for new Austin Public Library card designs. Community members will also have the opportunity to vote on their favorite designs, with winning entries printed as official library cards debuting in September 2026 for National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

“Austin Public Library has always been shaped by the community it serves,” said Austin Public Library Director Hannah Terrell. “This contest is a celebration of Austin’s creative spirit, and an opportunity for Austinites of all ages to contribute to our Centennial Celebrations and be a part of defining what the next century of Austin Public Library will look like.”

The Centennial Library Card Art Contest reflects Austin Public Library’s commitment to creativity, access, and community engagement. The initiative highlights the role libraries play not only as places to access information, but as spaces where culture and community are created and shared.

The contest will feature three age-based categories, each with a theme inspired by Austin Public Library’s Centennial:

  • Children (0–12): “The Library’s 100th Birthday Party”
  • Teens (13–17): “Austin Public Library’s Next Century”
  • Adults (18+): “Inspiring All to Discover, Learn, and Create”

One winning design will be selected in each category.

Contest Timeline:

  • Submissions Open: Until 9:00AM Central, June 1, 2026
  • Public Voting: June 15 –July 31, 2026
  • Winners Announced: August 2026
  • New Library Cards Available: September 2026 (National Library Card Sign-Up Month)

The winning designs will be featured on official Austin Public Library cards available at all library locations.

Austin Public Library cardholders can submit their artwork online. Full contest rules, submission guidelines, and entry details are available at:
library.austintexas.gov/news/centennial-library-card-art-contest 

For more information about Austin Public Library’s Centennial Celebrations, visit library.austintexas.gov/100.