Wild About Reading Library Card Design Contest Winners

Celebrate the zoo and the library with your Library Card!

Santa Barbara Public Library, in partnership with the Santa Barbara Zoo, is excited to announce three new library card designs for patrons to choose from when signing up for a library card!

These Library Card designs were created by patrons who submitted to the Wild About Reading Library Card Design Contest, which ran from July 27 to August 12, inviting participants to answer the question "How would your favorite zoo animal read?"

"This contest offered community members of all ages an opportunity to reflect on two local iconic institutions, Santa Barbara's beautiful zoo and historic library system," said Brandon Beaudette, Library Director.

We were overjoyed by the creativity displayed in more than 50 submissions, featuring animals from across the globe. Submissions were voted on by Zoo and Library Staff in three age categories: youth, teen, and adult. We were impressed by the imagination of every submission, but three winning designs rose to the top.

Adult (18+) Winner: Kelly Hudson, "Wild Things"
"I never would have thought to draw this on my own, and I was absolutely enchanted by the process of making it. That sense of discovery and delight feels, to me, very much at the heart of both the library and the zoo."

Teen (13 - 17) Winner: Eleanore Preloger, "Humboldt Happiness"
"When I heard about this art contest, it was the perfect match! It combined drawing, animals, and reading, my favorite things. The Santa Barbara Zoo and Santa Barbara Public Library are both beautiful spaces where I go to learn more about my passions."

Youth (under 13) Winner: Khayukti Gandrothula "Blending in with the Story"
"Just like a chameleon blends into its environment, I like to blend into the stories I read. And because I am a curious reader, I wish I could use my eyes - like a chameleon and read 2 pages at the same time!"

Drop by any Santa Barbara Public Library Location or Library on the Go stop to choose one of the new designs when signing up for a new card, or if you're an existing cardholder, you can replace your card with a fresh new design. Card replacement will result in a new library card number.

Celebrate the new cards with Library on the Go at a very special State Street Farmers Market stop in late October. Drop by to choose a new card design, take photos with larger-than-life versions of the winning designs, and connect with Library and Zoo staff.

Library on the Go at State Street Farmers Market
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
State Street, near the corner of Canon Perdido and State
Event Info | Add to your calendar

About Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a leader in wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement, advancing efforts to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems in California and around the world. Beautifully located on 30 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Zoo is home to more than 360 animals representing over 97 species in open, naturalistic habitats designed to support animal wellbeing and conservation learning, all in service of its mission to conserve the natural world through education, science, and unforgettable experiences.

About Santa Barbara Public Library
Santa Barbara Public Library, established in 1882, offers free access to books, technology, programs, and resources for all. Everyone is invited to explore our collections, connect with the community, and enjoy a wide range of events. From the Stacks to the Streets, SBPL promotes literacy through community. We are books, and more!

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