Queens Public Library (QPL) has extended the submission deadline for the Banned Books Library Card Design Contest to Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
The American Library Association (ALA) has recently reported historic highs in the number of banned and challenged book titles. QPL wants to highlight how it is more important than ever right now to stand against censorship and celebrate the freedom to read.
To raise awareness of this ongoing issue, QPL is holding a contest for local artists and the general public, ages 13 and up, to submit original artwork celebrating the freedom to read. The artwork may be inspired by books or authors who have been banned or challenged, or it may be inspired by an original interpretation of the freedom to read in Queens.
The winning artwork will be featured on QPL’s Banned Books Special Edition Library Card, which will be released in 2025. The winner will also receive a $2,000 cash prize. Finalists may also have a chance to have their artwork displayed on the QPL website and at QPL locations.
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of QPL staff members and community judges and judged according to the following criteria: creativity, originality, relevance to the theme, and visual appeal and quality. The winner will be notified by email within 14 days following the selection.
Artists must be at least 13 to enter, and those under 18 must obtain parental consent before entering. Each individual can submit up to three different works of art. They must be original pieces, and A.I. generations are not permitted.
Entrants can use any art medium they want, but the file must include their name and be submitted electronically in JPG, PNG, or PDF format. It cannot be over 3MB.
Artists should submit a brief statement for each work submitted, discussing its theme and meaning. Preference will be given to individuals with a connection to Queens.
The ALA condemns censorship and works to defend each person’s right to read under the First Amendment and ensure free access to information. Every year, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. The lists are based on information from reports filed by library professionals and community members, as well as news stories published throughout the United States.
In 2023, the ALA reported 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship, a 65% surge over the 2022 numbers.
Some of its Top 10 Most Challenged Books included: ‘Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe’ (106 challenges), ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ by George M. Johnson (82 challenges), and ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ by Stephen Chbosky (68 challenges).
Artists can enter QPL’s Banned Books design contest here.
This post was originally published on here
