New Youth Library Cards

San Mateo County Libraries provides creative educational spaces for learners from birth to high school and beyond. We also offer opportunities for students of all ages to expand their knowledge and explore creative pursuits. Students can turn to our libraries for programs, classes, Makerspaces, resources, and knowledgeable library staff that support academic achievement.

“Peninsula libraries offer an incredible array of collections, services, and events designed to help children and teens experience the joy of reading, build a love of learning, and succeed in school. Owing fines is a barrier to accessing these wonderful library activities, especially for families with limited financial resources.” 

— Derek Wolfgram, Peninsula Library System Administrative Council Chair & Redwood City Public Library Director

For this reason, San Mateo County Libraries and the Peninsula Library System, opens a new window have eliminated daily late fees for materials checked out to children and teens effective July 1, 2016. In honor of this policy change and Library Card Sign-Up Month, we partnered with four amazing California-based artists and illustrators (Lisa Brown, opens a new windowJoe Cepeda, opens a new windowAlina Chau, opens a new window, and Christian Robinson, opens a new window) to create some new beautifully designed youth library cards for children and teens to choose from.

So celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month in style by visiting one of our community libraries in person or checking out our card services page to sign up for your youth library card today!

If you could design your own library card, what would you put on it? Tell us in the comments below.