With America celebrating its 250th birthday in July, the Surprise Public Library System wants residents to help design new library cards with a patriotic theme.

The contest is open in four categories: the America 250 category, as well as Youth (10 and under), Teen (11 to 17) and Adult (18 and over).

One winner will be chosen from each category in May and be recognized at a city council meeting.

The deadline to submit designs is Friday, April 3.

Library patrons will be able to choose from one of the winning card designs or a standard logo card, for use at the three Surprise libraries – Asante, Hollyhock and Surprise Regional.

Entrants (or their guardians) must be a Surprise Public Library System cardholder.

All artwork must be original, previously unpublished and free of copyright restrictions.

Both horizontal and vertical designs will be considered.

Artwork can include computer generated or digital photographic submissions or paper submissions using colored pencil, pen, paint and markers.

Limit one entry per person. Names should not be completed in the artwork.

Download the submission form at surprisepubliclibrary.gov/LibraryCard. Submit a card design in person at one of the three SPLS branches or via email at library@surpriseaz.gov

The selected winner will be asked to provide original artwork.

Call 623-222-2900.