If you've ever doodled on a notebook, painted what you think is 'a masterpiece', or simply created something colorful just for fun, Great River Regional Library has a challenge for you.

Starting June 1, Great River Regional Library is inviting artists of all ages to take part in its 2026 Library Card Design Contest. The winning artwork will actually be featured on official library cards used across central Minnesota.

That means your design could end up in the hands of library users at all 32 GRRL locations. How fun is that?!

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'WHY DO YOU LOVE YOUR LIBRARY?'

The contest theme asks one simple question: “Why do you love your library?” Artists are encouraged to get creative and design something that captures what libraries mean to them. GRRL staff will judge submissions based on creativity, overall design, and how well the artwork reflects that message.

WINNERS

There will be four winners total:

• Youth category (ages 0–12)
• Teen category (ages 13–19)
• Adult category (ages 20+)
• Library staff category

WHEN WILL THE WINNERS BE SELECTED?

Winners will be notified in early July, and the custom library cards are expected to debut during September’s Library Card Sign-Up Month.

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WHO CAN ENTER THE LIBRARY ART CONTEST?

Anyone living in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, or Wright County is eligible to participate. The contest runs through June 30, 2026, and only one entry per person will be accepted.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR DESIGNS

Designs can be submitted in several different ways:

• Drop off your entry at any GRRL location
• Mail submissions to:
  Great River Regional Library
  Attn: Library Card Contest
  1300 West St. Germain Street
  St. Cloud, MN 56301
• Email digital designs to communications@grrl.lib.mn.us

Breanne Fruth, Communications and Development Coordinator at GRRL said, 'In 2024, the last time we held the Library Card Design Contest, we had 452 kids', 64 teens', and 45 adults' submissions. There were a total of 561 contest submissions! We are happy to hold the very popular contest again and are excited to see all of the amazing artwork by our library lovers.'

WHERE TO GET CONTEST FORMS AND INFORMATION

Contest forms are available at local library branches or online through the GRRL website.

For more information, visit Great River Regional Library.