Austin Public Library Released Centennial Card Designs

The library system celebrated its 100th anniversary by debuting three new card designs chosen through a public vote.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stack of library cards on a wooden desk, evoking a sense of community celebration. — The Austin Public Library is celebrating its centennial anniversary with three new card designs that were selected through a citywide public vote. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local library dedicate more resources to community-led arts and creative programming?

To mark its 100th anniversary, the Austin Public Library has released three new library card designs. These designs were selected by the public through an art contest that drew more than 10,000 votes.

Why it matters

The new cards serve as a commemorative milestone for the library system, which has provided educational and community resources to the city since its founding in 1926.

The library system, which opened in February 1926, currently operates 20 branches throughout the city. The contest included three distinct winning categories to determine the new imagery.

The players

Austin Public Library

This public library system operates 20 branches across the city and is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Lyle Lewis

He is the winner of the adult category in the library's centennial art contest.

Yaretzi Nicole Cruz Santiago

She is the winner of the teen category in the library's centennial art contest.

Ishana Jain

She is the winner of the child category in the library's centennial art contest.

The details

Local artists Lyle Lewis, Yaretzi Nicole Cruz Santiago, and Ishana Jain won the adult, teen, and child categories respectively. To obtain a new card, residents must complete an online application and visit a branch with a photo ID and proof of address.

The Austin Public Library system first opened in February 1926.
The library conducted its Centennial Library Card Art Contest in the summer of 2026.
The winning card designs were released to the public in September 2026.

Political Context

Public library systems often leverage community engagement initiatives to maintain relevance in an era of declining physical media usage. These contests reflect a broader effort by municipal institutions to deepen ties with local residents through participatory programming.

Residents can now update their existing cards or sign up as new members to secure the commemorative designs. Access to library services requires an online application followed by an in-person visit to any of the 20 local branches with required documentation.

The takeaway

Participating in municipal art projects allows residents to feel a sense of ownership over public institutions that serve their daily lives. Keeping your library card updated ensures you maintain access to the full range of resources offered by your local branch network.