A new limited-edition library card will be launching in celebration of Juneteenth 2021 and artists are being encouraged to submit their designs this month.

The new Brooklyn Public Library card, the first in a planned ‘Celebrating Heritage’ series, will celebrate Black American culture and history. Artists must submit their proposed design along with an artist statement and entry form by January 31. While all artists age 13 and up are eligible, there will be a preference given to artists with a connection to Brooklyn. There’s no limit on the chosen medium but all artwork has to be submitted digitally and it has to work within the size confines of a regular library card and a key fob card.

macon branch library
The Bed Stuy Macon Branch at 361 Lewis Avenue. Photo by Susan De Vries

A panel of BPL staff and community stakeholders will narrow the submissions down to a group of finalists and ultimately a winning design. The artist behind the selected design will receive a $2,000 stipend and the work of all the finalists may be put up as an exhibition.

The idea behind the project was first proposed as a way to raise awareness for the African American Heritage Center at Macon Library and the new card will be launched there this summer. Patrons will then be able to acquire a card at any Brooklyn branch that issues library cards.

Full details on how to submit an entry can be found online at the Brooklyn Public Library.

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