A failed, but beloved Minnesota state flag design is finding new life as a Saint Paul Public Library card.
SPPL is offering free, limited-edition Laser Loon library cards (pictured above) at each of their libraries. The card stems from a late December social media post teasing the idea of putting the beloved Loon on a library card.
"This library card really came out of all this public conversation about the Minnesota state flag designs and the community-informed design process," said Claire Huber, marketing and communications specialist with SPPL. "We were really enjoying watching that conversation unfold. In late December we teased the idea of this card and it took off. We had people from all over the world chiming in about the card."
The card, available only to St. Paul residents, is in limited supply at each of the city's 13 libraries. Residents can get one of the cards during normal hours and stickers are available for individuals who already have a card and are interested in getting the design, without getting a new card.
"It's been really fun and exciting," Huber said. "Libraries are always adapting to community needs and conversation. I think this is just another way we're able to respond and be in community. It's been really silly and fun as well. It's a lighthearted project to work on and people seem to be responding really well to that."
Huber adds that the card is also a way to get people people back into the library to see what resources are available that they might not know about.
"We're really trying to evolve and do really great programs to meet community needs. We have programs during school breaks and free programs that kids and teens can stop into. Our collections are a really big piece for us, and we always have our newest titles. Sometimes we have a wait, but there's also our lucky day collection where people can find it on the shelf. It really is just our responsive programs and services that are always evolving."
The Laser Loon library cards are available on a limited-time only basis and cardholders will receive a 15 percent off coupon for The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library's online shop.
