L.A. Public Library unveils new card designed by Shepard Fairey
The Los Angeles Public Library seriously upped its hipster credentials when it unveiled on Tuesday its new library card co-designed by L.A. street artist Shepard Fairey.
Fairey’s design, which he created with artist Cleon Peterson, depicts the historic Central Library in downtown in a white, green and black motif that echoes Fairey’s signature poster style.
The design is based on an illustration created to promote the Library Foundation of Los Angeles’ Young Literati annual toast fundraiser. The Central Library is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
Officials at the library said the new card is available at all 73 locations.
At a ceremony Tuesday, Fairey helped unveil the card with Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“Our city is the creative capital of the world — and this collaboration between the Los Angeles Public Library and Shepard Fairey is a great expression of how art can enliven our civic institutions,” Garcetti said in a release.
Fairey said that he and his wife, Amanda, have been longtime library patrons.
“When I was younger, I did most of my research for art and design at the library,” the artist said. “The L.A. Public Library system also has great tutoring and summer reading programs that are free to the public, and a needed supplement to our underfunded school system.”
Fairey rose to national prominence with his “Hope” poster for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama.
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