New Look for Your Library: Introducing Our 2026 Library Cards
For the first time since 2010, Omaha Public Library (OPL) is thrilled to announce a fresh look for your wallet! We are releasing two brand-new library card designs, each born from a unique collaboration with artists who have helped tell OPL’s story over the years. Whether you’re a lifelong cardholder or haven't signed up yet, these designs celebrate the art of storytelling and the community we serve.
Cathy Solarana, the founder of Wheelhouse Collective and a multidisciplinary graphic designer, has worked with OPL on several projects focused on accessibility. However, one collaboration stands out: the bright, colorful "Poppy," the mobile library truck seen driving through Omaha’s neighborhoods.
Solarana is the visionary behind OPL’s "library on wheels," which allows the library to pop up across the city and expand access to resources far beyond its physical walls. Now, that colorful design and its characters will be featured on a library card!
I wanted the illustrations to feel bright, memorable, and a little quirky—in a way that makes you smile and feel immediately welcome. Each character is imagined, but grounded in real life: the ways people show up at the library, the small moments of discovery, the mix of ages, cultures, and stories. Because these illustrations live on mobile libraries and on the walls inside branches, I designed them to feel like a friendly visual “hello”—a simple reminder that the library belongs to everyone. — Cathy Solarana
Our second new card features OPL’s mascot, Scamper, and was designed by artist Kevin Cannon. Based in Minnesota, Cannon has become a staple of OPL’s visual identity over the last seven years. He is well-known in the Midwestern library and bookstore community. What started as a project designing our beloved branch T-shirts and stickers eventually evolved into the intricate branch maps found on OPL tote bags. More merchandise featuring Cannon’s artwork will be released soon.
Cannon specializes in cartooning, writing, and illustrating, with a particular passion for books. It felt natural to have him design the new Scamper card, bringing his signature whimsical style to OPL's youngest (and youngest-at-heart) patrons.
"Scamper is joyful and curious, so I just tried to put myself in his shoes — or paws — and the ideas came easily," Cannon said. "With this design, I tried to represent how fun it is to get carried away with a good book... or a hundred!"
A library card is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a passport to infinite worlds. These cards will be available starting in March at all OPL branches. New patrons can choose their favorite design when signing up for a free library account. Coming soon: existing patrons could swap out their old card (and old barcode) for a new one, or request a sticker to update their current card’s design while keeping the same account information.
To see more of Solarana and Cannon’s work, visit wheelhousecollective.com, opens a new window and instagram.com/kevincannon, opens a new window.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.
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