We’re deep into Library Card Sign-up Month, so it’s the perfect time to look at the celebrated figures who have lent their likenesses to library cards to show their support for libraries. Here are some of our recent favorites.
Jay-Z
Hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Jay-Z has become a regular fixture on Brooklyn Public Library’s (BPL) cards.
In 2023, BPL issued library cards featuring the rapper, who was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, in conjunction with the library’s temporary exhibition, The Book of HOV, which celebrated Jay-Z’s life and career through rare photos, original recordings, videos, and other artifacts. The cards were adorned with artwork from Jay-Z’s 13 solo albums.
This year, BPL has introduced new limited-edition Jay-Z library cards to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his album, “Reasonable Doubt” and the 25th anniversary of the album “The Blueprint,” and his concerts at Yankee Stadium. The card celebrating “Reasonable Doubt” was released in June, while the card celebrating “The Blueprint” was made available September 8.
New Yorkers can get the cards at all BPL locations on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Taylor Swift
In spring 2024, Placentia (Calif.) Library District (PLD) released a special edition library card featuring Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour. The card was an ode to Swift’s discography and personality, featuring an illustration of book spines with her album titles and her cats.
“The Wallace and Ladmo Show”
From 1954 to 1989, “The Wallace and Ladmo Show” brought daily entertainment, connection, and joy to homes via TV screens across Arizona. In April 2026, Phoenix Public Library (PPL), in collaboration with the Wallace and Ladmo Foundation, commemorated the children’s show with a limited-run library card. Lee Franklin, PPL community relations director, recounted the show’s impact in an interview with Phoenix New Times: “Their show has this iconic status after all these years. It went off the air in December 1989 and still really resonates with people.”
Barack Obama
In June 2026, the Obama Presidential Center branch of Chicago Public Library released the first batch of 5,000 limited-edition cards commemorating the Center’s opening. These coveted cards were scooped up in a matter of weeks, although they have been restocked.
Laufey
Laufey, the two-time Grammy winner, author of children’s book “Mei Mei the Bunny” (Penguin Workshop, April), and honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month this year, collaborated with four major US public library systems—Boston, Fulton County (Ga.), LA County, and Phoenix—and Reykjavík (Iceland) City Library in 2025 to release Laufey Book Club library cards to encourage more library card sign-ups.
The limited-edition cards were a hit. Most libraries reported shattering single-day enrollment records, and a new batch of libraries announced their special-edition Laufey Book Club cards available this year.
To learn more about Library Card Sign-up Month and how to get the most out of your library card, visit the celebratory month’s online home.
How you can support libraries
With library funding being gutted and censorship on the rise, supporting libraries is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for a way to help, we urge you to become a Supporter of the American Library Association by donating.
At the American Library Association, we are here to protect libraries — today and for generations to come. What does your donation do? It helps a neighbor gain skills to start a business. It helps a child discover themselves through books and programs. And it helps keep libraries strong, open, and free for everyone.
Become a Supporter
Subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter! You’ll get news from the library world, advocacy updates, author interviews, book lists, and more delivered to your inbox every month.
