Maplewood Library reveals the Library Card Design Contest winners!
The Maplewood Library today announced the winners of its first Library Card Design Contest, held in celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month. Three designs – one each from the adult, teen and child categories – were selected from more than 75 entries.
The winning designs will be featured on new library cards distributed at the Main Library and the Hilton Branch starting this fall and will remain in circulation through 2027, while supplies last.
Launched to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Maplewood Library’s new Baker Street location, the contest ran from July 11 to Aug. 9 and was open to all Maplewood residents. The library accepted one original submission per person. The contest invited Maplewood residents to create designs that reflected community spirit and the library’s mission of connecting people to information, ideas, culture and each other.
“More than 75 Maplewood residents took the time to create something that reflects what the library means to them,” said Sarah Lester, library director. “These designs give us a wonderful way to celebrate our community while welcoming new and existing patrons to the library.”
The Maplewood Arts Council judged the anonymous submissions.
“The Maplewood Arts Council was thrilled to help celebrate the library’s anniversary,” said Marcy Thompson, chair of the Maplewood Arts Council. “The artwork from the community quite literally filled us with joy. Although it was difficult to pick a winner, it reminded us how lucky we are to live in a community where artistic talent – and a love of the library – are part of our daily lives.”
The following Maplewood residents were selected as winners:
ADULT:
Lindsey Balbierz, “Open to All. Big and small.”
“My piece is titled ‘Open to All. Big and Small.’ The Maplewood Library is a vibrant community space that has grown alongside the needs of my family. Not only do they offer a great catalogue of books, events, and resources, the library has been a great connector to the community. I have met countless new friends at the library. This library card design showcases our vibrant community members and the beautiful nature that surrounds our town.”
TEEN:
Frank Umlauf, “The Bookcase”
“I am honored to be picked and it was fun to see my love for art and reading merge.”
CHILD:
Tommy Sysel, “Untitled”
"This is the Maplewood fox reading under a maple tree."
The Maplewood Arts Council also decided on two runners up in each category
ADULT:
Runner up: Kennedy D., “Open 4 Seasons, For All”
Second runner up: Peter H., “Stories in Transit”
TEEN:
Runner up: Asher W., “Library Pride”
Second runner up: Leo U., “A Book and a Snack”
CHILD:
Runner up: Jane H., “Untitled”
Second runner up: Maggie C., “Rainbow in the Sky”
All valid submissions will be displayed during the library’s November and December art and music exhibition.
How to get a new Maplewood Library card:
Beginning this fall, cards featuring the winning designs will be available to new Maplewood Library cardholders and to those seeking replacement of an existing card. Patrons can choose their design (while supplies last) but can only get one card. Availability details will be announced soon on the Maplewood Library website.
Anyone who lives, works, pays taxes or attends school in Maplewood is entitled to a library card. Applications can be submitted in person at either library location with proof of residence, employment in town or school enrollment. Suggested proof of residence includes but is not limited to a valid driver’s license, insurance ID card, homeowner’s contract, tenant’s lease agreement or utility bill with the applicant’s name.