The Oswego Public Library District is hosting an all-ages art contest in celebration of Library Card Sign-up Month!
Participants are invited to create and submit original artwork for a limited-edition library card design. Submissions should showcase what the library means to them and highlight its value to the community.
One winner will be selected to have their winning art showcased on the Oswego Public Library District card. The limited-edition library card will be available April 2026. The winner will be chosen and notified by November 17, 2025.
Entry Timeline
Submissions will be accepted between Monday, September 1 - Saturday, October 25, 2025. Limit one entry per person, please.
Entry Criteria
- The artist must be an Oswego Public Library District cardholder. You can get a library card by visiting either campus in person at the front Circulation Desk.
- Content must be appropriate for all ages.
- Do not include your name in the artwork.
- Submissions must be original works that are not subject to copyright restrictions or ownership by another individual or organization.
- Art submitted must not violate the rights of privacy and/or constitute a libel or slander against anyone.
Design Criteria
- Use this template as a reference for the size and proportions of your design.
- Designs may be created using any 2D art medium on paper (i.e. paint, colored pencils, markers, crayons, pens, etc...), including digital media, and photography.
- Words may be included in artwork as a graphic element.
- No AI generated designs.
Entry Instructions
- Designs should be saved as high resolution - and in one of the following formats: .ai, .eps, .psd, .jpg, .png, and .pdf. The higher the resolution, the better.
- File size cannot exceed 100 MB.
- Please name your file using this convention: OPLDCard2025_LastnameFirstnameInitial
- Submit your digital file through the online entry form befow.
- Paper artwork may be submitted in person by bringing it to the front Circulation Desk at either campus along with this entry form. Please Note: artwork submitted in person will not be returned.
- Please submit design entry by Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Judging and Selection
Library staff will judge all submitted library card designs. The winning design will be selected based on originality, how well it meets the design criteria, and how effectively it represents the Oswego Public Library District and the community. The chosen design will be featured on a limited-edition library card, available starting April 19, 2025, at both library locations while supplies last.