The public has a chance to design the next Bloomfield Township Public Library card.
By: Mary Beth Almond | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published June 27, 2023
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Artists of all ages can put their creativity to the test for a chance to have their design on a new Bloomfield Township Public Library card.
Through June 30, Bloomfield Township residents are invited to submit artwork that could be featured on one of three new library cards.
Jen Taggart, the head of youth services, said this will be the first time in the library’s history that community members are invited to craft original artwork for a card. The library’s current card design, she said, has been the same for nearly 15 years.
“This contest really provides an opportunity for our patrons of all ages to take part in designing the gateway to all of the wonderful resources at their library,” Taggart explained.
Assistant Library Director Katherine Bryant said the township is filled with creative, talented people of all ages.
“This is an opportunity to have your artwork featured on library cards reaching thousands of library users and promoting the love for reading and learning,” she said in a statement.
Entries will be grouped into three categories: ages 12 and younger, 13-17, and 18 and older. Bloomfield Township residency is a requirement to participate.
Entry forms, which are limited to one per person, are available at the youth desk, the circulation desk, and the adult/teen desk, along with a tray for submissions, and all entries must be submitted on paper at the library. A parent or legal guardian must sign all entry forms from minors. All entries must be received by 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 30.
“The designs must be hand-drawn, and they can use pencil, pen, paint, markers, crayons or any other hand-drawn medium. The designs must be original and free of copyright,” Taggart noted. “We love seeing all of these fantastic visual representations of what the library means to everyone that enters.”
Artwork will first be judged by library staff based on creativity, design and how they reflect the library and the Bloomfield Township community, and the top 10 in each age category will move forward for public judging.
The public will then vote for their favorite between July 16 and 22. The three winners — one from each age category — will have their design featured on a new library card, receive a $100 gift card and be featured in the library newsletter.
The three new designs, along with the current design, will be available for patrons to select from starting in September, in celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month.
For more information, call the library at (248) 642-5800 or visit www.btpl.org.