Summer Reading Challenge and Library Card Design Contest Begin May 26

Published on May 25, 2023

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Lincoln City Libraries (LCL) officials today encouraged residents to participate in a Library Card Design Contest and the 86th annual Summer Reading Challenge.

“Kids, grab your crayons and colored pencils, and help us put your art in everyone’s wallet. Your artwork could become the first new library card design in 35 years,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “While you’re at it, get ready to earn prizes through the Summer Reading Challenge. Sign up with your family, your best friend, or your next-door neighbor, and all together now, let’s make this summer one for the record books at our libraries.”

Director Wieber said the summer reading challenge is designed for Lincoln residents of every age.

“This year's theme of ‘All Together Now’ celebrates and reflects our community, our differences and our togetherness. By creating a community of readers, we make connections, grow empathy towards one another, imagine new possibilities, and even just relax and have fun together,” Wieber said.

Nearly 10,000 children, 2,500 teenagers and 3,500 adults are expected to participate in the challenge. Registration begins May 26, and the challenge runs through July 31. To register, visit lincolnlibraries.org/summer-reading-challenge, any library location or download the Beanstack app.

All challenge registrants receive a free ticket to a Saltdogs baseball game. Adults will also receive a book bag, and younger readers may choose for a wide selection of registration prizes. To complete the challenge, all registrants must read a total of 10 hours, visit the library four times and complete eight reading activities.

In addition to earning discount and free item coupons, those who complete the challenge can enter drawings for $100 prize packages to area businesses. There is also a $250 grand prize for performances at the Lied Center for Performing Arts for each age group. For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge, visit lincolnlibraries.org/summer-reading-challenge.

Traci Glass, Assistant Libraries Director, said the card design contest is the first time LCL has invited readers to submit art to appear on official LCL cards.

“Our goal is to engage residents to design cards that reflect the unique qualities of our great community,” Glass said. “This contest is an opportunity for young artists in our community to showcase their talents and leave a lasting impression on our library system. Young people are real stakeholders in our libraries, and this is a chance for them to express what they love about their library and all it has to offer.”

Lincoln and Lancaster County artists up to age 11 are invited to submit artwork to appear on the LCL library card. Designs may be submitted online at lincoln.ne.gov/LibraryCardContest or any library branch between May 26 and 5 p.m. Friday, June 30. A committee will select the top three designs, and residents will vote for the winning design.

Card design contests for older readers are also being considered, Glass said, and the current card design will remain available. Glass also announced effective immediately, that LCL is eliminating the $1 replacement fee for lost library cards.

For more information about Lincoln City Libraries and the Summer Reading Kickoff Parties on June 1, visitlincolnlibraries.org.