Santa Barbara Library Launched New Animal Card Designs

The library collaborated with the local zoo to unveil three new card designs created by local residents.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector editorial illustration of a library card depicting a stylized sea otter reading a book. — The Santa Barbara Public Library has launched three new library card designs created by local residents in partnership with the Santa Barbara Zoo. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel that local institutions like the library and zoo strengthen your community?

The Santa Barbara Public Library has introduced three new library card designs featuring original art from a community contest. These designs, which emerged from a partnership with the Santa Barbara Zoo, are now available for residents to acquire.

Why it matters

The initiative provided a unique opportunity to celebrate two iconic Santa Barbara institutions through community-led art. The designs reflect the intersection of local wildlife interest and the library system.

The library contest resulted in three winning designs selected from over 50 submissions. Existing cardholders should note that requesting a replacement card will result in the issuance of a new library card number.

The players

Santa Barbara Public Library

This local municipal institution manages the citys public book lending services and community programs.

Santa Barbara Zoo

This prominent local attraction serves as a major wildlife conservation and education center for the region.

Kelly Hudson

This artist won the adult category of the design contest with a piece titled Wild Things.

Eleanore Preloger

This artist won the teen category of the design contest with a work titled Humboldt Happiness.

Khayukti Gandrothula

This artist won the youth category of the design contest with a design titled Blending in with the Story.

The details

Patrons were asked to design cards depicting how their favorite zoo animals would enjoy reading. Winners include Kelly Hudson for the adult category, Eleanore Preloger for the teen category, and Khayukti Gandrothula for the youth category.

Submissions for the design contest were accepted from July 27 to Aug. 12, 2026.
A celebration event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at the State Street Farmers Market.

Culture Shift

The use of community-created art for institutional materials reflects a broader push to modernize public branding through hyper-local engagement. This move mirrors national strategies from the American Library Association to foster deeper connections between public services and their resident populations.

Residents can obtain the new designs by visiting the Santa Barbara Public Library. Existing patrons who choose to upgrade to a new design should be prepared to receive a new library card number.

The takeaway

Engaging community members in the creative process helps foster a stronger sense of ownership over public resources. Residents looking to update their cards should keep their new account numbers secured to maintain access to library services.