2025 Library Card Contest

  • July 1, 2025

Contest Overview

Calling all artists and creative minds!
The Pompton Lakes Public Library is excited to announce our very first Library Card Design Contest, running from July 1–September 13, 2025! Enter for a chance to have your artwork featured on an official Pompton Lakes Public Library card!

This is your chance to leave your mark on the community by designing our next library card, which will be used by hundreds of patrons. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just love to create, we invite you to showcase your talent!

We’re inviting Pompton Lakes residents of all ages and ability levels* to submit original designs that capture the spirit of our Library and community.

Eligibility

  • The contest is open to all Pompton Lakes residents and Pompton Lakes-based students in the following categories:
  • Kids(Ages 0-12)*
  • Teens(Ages 13-17)*
  • Adults(Ages 18+)
  • Only one entry per participant.
  • Submissions must be the original work of the entrant.
  • Participants are encouraged to create designs that reflect the joy of reading, community, history of Pompton Lakes, and discovery.

*Participants under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to enter. 

Submission Requirements

  • Submit one original design—handmade or digital (no AI-generated art).
  • Designs must be appropriate for all ages and stay within the template dimensions. (Your entry will only be judged by the front of the card).
  • Three final winners will be selected—one in each age group (child, teen, adult).
  • Design Format:
  • Artwork must be submitted on a template provided by the library (available at the library or online). Cards will be printed as 8.5 cm x 5.5 cm.
  • Accepted file formats for digital submissions: JPEG or PNG.
  • Designs should be 300 dpi resolution to ensure high print quality.
  • Physical Submissions:
  • If submitting a physical design, it must be no larger than 21.5 cm wide x 14 cm tall.
  • Use any medium (e.g., colored pencils, markers, digital art) as long as it is flat and scannable.
  • Submission Deadline:

Artist’s Release

I grant the Pompton Lakes Public Library the right to freely reproduce, distribute, and publicly display, in whole or in part, any materials that I provide in connection with the Pompton Lakes Public Library Card Design Contest. This includes the use of my name as provided below. The Pompton Lakes Public Library reserves the right to modify creative works resulting from my participation in the Contest to conform to the dimensions of the library card or to accommodate text. I confirm that I have all required intellectual property rights needed to grant the Pompton Lakes Public Library the rights above, and that, before submitting any content to the Contest, I have obtained all permissions necessary for the Pompton Lakes Public Library to exercise such rights. The Pompton Lakes Public Library will not be responsible for any damages relating to this agreement.

Artist Name:____________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________

(if 17 yrs & under) Parent/Guardian Signature:

___________________________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________ 

 

How to Enter:

  1. Download the Design Template.
  2. Create your artwork—remember, no names on the design!
  3. Submit your completed entry form—pick one of three ways to enter:

 

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Creativity: Originality and artistic expression.
  • Visual Impact: Overall appeal and clarity of design.
  • Usability: How well the design will function as a library card (e.g., readability, appropriate use of space).
  • Adherence to submission guidelines.

Judging Process

  • There will be three winners: one from each age category (Kids, Teens, Adults).
  • Winners will be announced on September 30, 2025.

Prizes

  • Grand Prize Winners: The winning designs will be featured on an official library card, and the designer will receive a framed copy of their card.

Contest Rules

  • All designs must be original and created by the participant.
  • Designs should not contain copyrighted material, offensive language, or inappropriate images.
  • By entering the contest, participants grant the library the right to use, reproduce, and publish their designs for promotional purposes.
  • The library reserves the right to make minor adjustments to the winning design to fit printing specifications.
  • Late submissions will not be accepted.

How to Enter

Important Dates

  • Submission Deadline: September 13, 2025
  • Winner Announcement: September 30, 2025

Contact Information

For any questions or additional information, please contact Michael Drazek at drazek@pomptonlakeslibrary.org, (973) 835-0482. We can’t wait to see your creative designs!