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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
KPCC Archive

Take a peek at LA's first artist-designed library card

Published Apr 20, 2016 8:23 AM
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti with artist Shepard Fairey at the unveiling of the city's first artist-designed library card.
L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti with artist Shepard Fairey at the unveiling of the city's first artist-designed library card.
(
Gary Leonard/L.A. Public Library
)
The design by Shepard Fairey and Cleon Peterson for L.A.'s new artist-designed library card.
The design by Shepard Fairey and Cleon Peterson for L.A.'s new artist-designed library card.
(
Los Angeles Public Library
)
Artist Shepard Fairey autographs a replica of the new L.A. Public Library card on April 19 at Central Library.
Artist Shepard Fairey autographs a replica of the new L.A. Public Library card on April 19 at Central Library.
(
L.A. Public Library
)
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Los Angeles has unveiled its first library card designed by an artist, which will be available at all 73 branches of the city's public library.

The art, designed by Shepard Fairey and Cleon Peterson, features the downtown Central Library —the art-deco icon celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Co-designer Fairey is best known for his iconic "HOPE" portrait of Barack Obama.

Fairey hopes the image will kick off a program for more L.A. artists to debut their work.

"When I was younger, I was very broke and I used the library as a resource for art and design books and other visual references. It was incredibly valuable to me, so it's almost like a full-circle scenario," Fairey told KPCC. 

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About 100,000 of the new library cards are available at all 73 public library locations in L.A.

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