Design a card that will Unearth a Story!
Whether readers are digging into a good book, uncovering hidden histories, or exploring the past, “Unearth a Story” celebrates the joy of discovery that reading brings. Every person and every community has stories waiting to be found and shared—through books, programs, and local knowledge.
The 2026 Summer Reading Program returns June 13, and this year, we challenge you to “Unearth a Story” while creating an original design for this summer’s library card! Dinosaurs. Paleontology. Archaeology. Need we say more?
Winning designs will be printed as limited-edition library cards.
Contests will be held for three separate age groups:
Children (Ages 5-11) • Teens (Ages 12-17) • Adults (Ages 18+)
Contest Guidelines
Theme
The theme of this contest’s entries should highlight this year’s Summer Reading theme, “Unearth a Story”. Think dinosaurs, paleontology, archaeology…
Artwork Guidelines
- The design must include the words “Mahwah Public Library”.
- The design should fit within a 3.625” x 2.375“ rectangle.
Make sure to extend your background art to the edges of that rectangle. - Keep all important text and information inside the center area of 3.25” x 2” (see template sheet).
- Files must be suitable to be printed 300 dpi (dots per inch) at its actual size (resolution).
- Digital files should be in CMYK color mode (not RGB).
Specifications
- Green “Safe” area = 3.25” x 2”
- Red Outline (card’s final size) = 3.375” x 2.125”
- Blue box (.125” bleed) = 3.625” x 2.375”
Rules
- You must be a Mahwah resident and a Mahwah Public Library cardholder to participate.
- Limit one entry per artist and the entry must be made in the contest of the age group to which their library card belongs. (Example: An adult artist must possess an adult library card and is only eligible to submit to the Adult contest.)
- We highly encourage all child or teen artists to use or sign up for their own juvenile library card. However, if they do not have one and are submitting their artwork using their parent or guardian’s library card number, this must be noted in the submission that they are doing so.
- All artwork must be the original work of the artist and can be created digitally or by hand (no AI-generated art). Designs must not violate or infringe upon copyrighted material.
- All entries become the property of Mahwah Public Library upon submission.
- The Library reserves the right to edit any winning designs to conform to library card printer specifications, and the Mahwah Public Library logo may be used or added to the design.
Submissions will be accepted between March 2 – April 3, 2026.
Submissions
- Submissions will be accepted between March 2 – April 3, 2026.
- You may submit a design using the submission form on our website for children, teens, and adults, OR you may print out a paper submission form and return it to the library.
- Electronic entries must be high resolution (300 dpi), in JPEG, TIFF, PSD, or PDF format, must not exceed 33 MB in size, and need to be submitted by no later than midnight on April 3, 2026.
- Hand-drawn entries are also welcome and must be submitted to the Library’s Circulation Desk by 4PM on April 3.
- By submitting your design, you certify that the artwork is completely original and does not violate copyright laws. You grant Mahwah Public Library permission to use your name, your creative work, and visual images in its digital, social media, and printed publications without compensation or recourse.
The following submission information must included with your design entry:
1. Participant’s name
2. Mahwah Library Card Number
3. Address
4. Phone Number
5. Email Address
Judging
An Art Committee of Library staff will judge and select the winning design and 1 runner-up for each age group. The Committee will consider originality, audience appeal, and the best interpretation of the theme when judging entries.
Winners
The 1 winning design per age group will be reproduced as limited-edition library cards and will be available at the Mahwah Public Library as the Summer Reading program kicks off in June 2026. Winning artists’ names will be credited on card backs.
All winners and runners-up will earn a limited edition Library tote bag and mug!
Digital Design Submission Form
Please submit your digital design using this form and complete fields fully.
Contest entries will be accepted starting March 2, 2026 until April 3, 2026. All digital submissions must be received by 11:59 PM ET on April 3 to be eligible for consideration. Hand-drawn submissions must be submitted to the Mahwah Public Library Circulation Desk by 4 PM ET on April 3.