The Camas Public Library is inviting community members to leave their creative mark on an everyday item that connects thousands of residents to a world of knowledge and imagination: the library card. Launching in celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month, this design contest represents a unique opportunity for local artists of all backgrounds to contribute to an essential community institution. The winning design will be carried in wallets and backpacks throughout Camas for years to come, creating a lasting connection between artistic expression and community resources.
How to Participate in the Camas Library Card Design Contest
The Camas Public Library has opened its card design contest with an inviting premise: anyone can participate, regardless of age or artistic experience. This inclusive approach reflects the library’s mission to serve as a welcoming space for all community members. Whether you’re a professional illustrator or someone who enjoys occasional doodling, your creative vision could become the face of the library’s next official card. The contest celebrates diverse artistic expressions, accepting submissions in multiple formats including traditional hand-drawn or painted artwork, digital creations, and even photography—giving participants the freedom to work in their preferred medium.
To ensure your submission meets the necessary technical requirements, the library has made participation straightforward by providing official templates and clear guidelines on its website. These resources outline important considerations like dimensions, color recommendations, and space requirements for library information that must remain on the final card. Visiting the dedicated contest page at cityofcamas.us/library will give you everything needed to prepare your submission correctly. Remember that your design should reflect the spirit of the library and the Camas community while remaining appropriate for all ages who will use the card—a creative challenge that balances artistic expression with practical application.
Why Community Art Matters to the Camas Public Library
The library card design contest represents more than just a fun activity—it embodies the Camas Public Library’s commitment to meaningful community engagement. By timing the contest with Library Card Sign-Up Month, the initiative cleverly combines artistic expression with raising awareness about library resources and services. As Library Director Connie Urquhart noted, the contest celebrates the relationship between the library and the community it serves. This approach recognizes that public libraries thrive when community members feel personally invested in them, and what better way to foster that connection than by literally putting community creativity into the hands of every library patron?
The contest also highlights how the library serves as more than just a repository for books—it functions as a cultural center that values and promotes creative expression as part of lifelong learning. When community members see their neighbors’ artwork featured on an official library card, it reinforces the message that local creativity matters and deserves recognition. Additionally, the winning design will create a lasting legacy for the artist, as their work will circulate throughout Camas for years, forging countless moments of connection as patrons share and explain the story behind the unique design. This type of initiative transforms everyday interactions with the library into opportunities for community storytelling and pride.
Header Image Source: AI-generated image
