Library News
Community Creativity Comes to Life on New Mesa Public Library Cards
Over the summer of 2025, Mesa Public Library invited the community to help imagine something new: special edition library cards inspired by the library’s vision statement, “Dreaming Starts Here.” The Library Card Design Contest received 240 entries, reflecting a wide range of artistic styles, ideas and perspectives from across Mesa.
Designs were submitted in three age categories — children (0–11), teens (12–17) and adults (18+) — and reviewed by a panel of library and city staff involved in the Gateway Library project. The variety and quality of submissions made the final selection both exciting and challenging. Reviewing the artwork brought staff together around a shared appreciation for community creativity and the many ways residents connect with their library.
Winning designs
One winning design was selected from each age category:
Child (0–11): "Where Dreams Never End" by Olivia Kubiak
Teen (12–17): "Dreaming Starts Here" by Jax Dawahare
Adult (18+): "Doodle Dreams" by Melissa Yepiz Chhabra
Each design offers a distinct visual style while capturing imagination, curiosity and the spirit of possibility that libraries inspire at every age.
A grand reveal and systemwide availability
The winning designs were unveiled at the Gateway Library grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 6, where they quickly became the most popular library card option. Library staff were delighted to meet and congratulate the artists who were able to attend the event and see their work celebrated by the community.
Following the strong response at the grand opening, the special edition cards will become available systemwide at all Mesa Public Library locations at the start of the new year, following the New Year’s Day holiday closure. Looking to upgrade your card to a new design? There is a $2 replacement fee.
More than a new look, these cards celebrate the creativity of Mesa residents and highlight the library as a place where imagination is encouraged, ideas are shared and dreaming truly starts here.
Learn more about getting a library card here.