Library ART Cards

It's a brand new year-why not start it with a colorful new library card? On Monday, March 2, the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library distributed over 20,000 library cards to all library branches. What's so different? Unlike the traditional blue and white cards the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library has used for decades, the new library cards are a combo of a wallet size card and handy key-tag that clips right on to a keychain! These new cards, dubbed the Library ART Cards, come in four different designs depicting the artwork of young local artists (See art cards).

The first card sold just minutes after the cards were available to the public. Nakia, a customer at the Maya Angelou Branch Library was the second person to purchase the card titled "Otters" designed by Rebecca Martin of Tracy.

The Library ART Card was a replacement card for Nakia, a 31 year old resident of Stockton. "I wanted the card with the otter on it because I am such an animal lover, I enjoy the ocean, and the picture was nice," said Nakia when interviewed by the Library's community relations officer. When asked what she would tell others about the Library ART Card Nakia said, "Look at them and buy one! I bought one for me and then later purchased two more cards for my son and daughter. They were excited to show their friends their new cool card. Maybe this will inspire more children to get a card and visit the Library."

A library card is the key to a wide range of services provided by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library, including internet access and a wealth of information available in online databases. Every branch is also a Wi-Fi Hot Spot and has a variety of materials for personal growth, professional development, or just for fun! Your library card also gives you access to your Library Account, where you can renew and reserve materials.

Artwork submitted by San Joaquin County students who entered the 11th District Congressional Art Competition last spring now appear on the new series of Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library ART Cards. The new cards, with the added feature of the key-tag, are available now. For new library card holders the cost is $1 for children and adults. To replace an existing library card with one of these new designs there is a small fee of $1 for children and $2 for adults (anyone can still get the traditional card too). Visit any branch of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library and get your card today!

The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library has 13 branches within the San Joaquin County, a Mobile Library, and a Training Wheels vehicle for outreach services. For more information call (209) 937-8221 in Stockton or the countywide toll free number (866) 805-READ (7323).

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Priorities by Chrissy Carter

Otter by Rebecca Martin

George Meets Picasso by Bilal Houseyni

The Artisan Dreamer by Mary Theobald

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