Pierce County Library officials are inviting young people to put forth their best artistic efforts to create the next library cards as part of a design contest. The free card design contest begins Mon., April 8, and continues through Fri., May 3. Any student in grades K-12 living or attending school in Pierce County is eligible to enter. The Library will make two different cards, one from each age category: grades K-6 and 7-12.

“This contest is a great opportunity for aspiring artists to feature their creative talents,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for the Library System. “Their artwork will go into the hands, pockets and wallets of people all over Pierce County, because we issue tens of thousands of library cards a year.”

Entry forms are available at any Pierce County Library or online at piercecountylibrary.org. Students may submit entries to any of 18 Pierce County Libraries or by mail to Library Card Design Contest, Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

Art must be original and not published elsewhere. Submitted art becomes the property of Pierce County Library. The artist’s name will appear along with the artwork on the printed card. Professional artists will review entries and select finalists. People will select the winners from the finalists by voting online at the Library’s Web site later this year.

The student-designed library cards will be available for free, in addition to other designs that the Library offers. Kids, teens and people of all ages may get the new card, which will be available during the Library’s seventh annual card drive in October 2013.