Calling all artists: Dyer Library/Saco Museum accepting designs for new cards

The new year means a fresh start, and at Dyer Library/Saco Museum, it’s a chance for the community to make a lasting impression by proposing designs for new library cards.

The DLSM Library Card Design Contest is underway ahead of joining Minerva, a network of 60+ libraries across the state. The change will be effective later this year and require new cards with longer bar codes, according to Circulation Librarian Marlow Stefanik, who is spearheading the card contest.

DLSM is accepting submissions until Jan. 31 in three categories: children, teens and adults. Library staffers will choose the designs to be voted on in each category by the public between Feb. 10-22. The winners will be announced Feb. 28.

The limited-edition cards will be issued this spring until they last; new standard cards will then be issued.

"We were looking for a fun way to get patrons involved with this exciting transition," Stefanik said.

“It’s a big thing to get new cards and new numbers,” she said, adding that children and teens were included because “we didn’t want a child’s (submission) to go against an adult. We wanted everyone to get a chance to win.”

The children’s category is open to kids up to age 12. Teens age 13-17 can submit in that category, and adults include those 18 and older.

Beginning in February, votes can be cast on social media (facebook.com/dyerlibrarysacomuseum) and in person at the library and museum.

A special photo, painting, graphic design, or any other artistic medium can be incorporated. Entries must be original work created by a person – AI is not allowed – and cannot infringe on or violate copyrighted materials. Designs must be family-friendly and only one entry per person will be accepted.

Design sheets can be picked up at the front desk, in the Children’s Room and on the website (https://dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org). Submissions must fit the design template and may be edited to conform to card specifications. Submissions may also be emailed to circ@dyersaco.org using .pdf, jpg. or .png files.

"Everyone in our community has a special connection to Dyer Library or Saco Museum," said Executive Director Sophie Smith. "We look forward to seeing how that comes across in the new card designs."