From Reading Public Library and Reading Pride Celebration
Reading Public Library and Reading Pride Celebration are proud to announce Anu Morgan, creator of Living Pride, as the winner of the Library Card Art Contest celebrating the 20th anniversary of Berks Pride Fest and Library Card Sign Up Month.
The winning artwork will be featured on a new limited-edition Pride library card now available at Reading Public Library. The contest invited Berks County artists to submit original artwork reflecting the LGBTQ+ community, Reading Pride Celebration’s mission and values, and a shared vision of equity, respect, love, and joy.
Three local artists submitted designs for consideration: Sebastian Hoover, with Books of Pride; Anu Morgan, with Living Pride; and Craig Schaffer, with Rainbow Road.
Community members were invited to participate in the selection process throughout July, casting 303 votes among the three designs. A four-member judging panel representing Reading Public Library, Reading Pride Celebration, and community representatives evaluated the submissions using criteria including creativity and originality. The community vote also weighed in on the final decision.
“This project has been about community participation from the very beginning,” said Sean Flannery, President of Reading Pride Celebration. “We asked local artists to share what Pride, belonging, and our community mean to them, and then invited the community to be part of the process. Seeing more than 300 votes cast for just three designs shows how much people connected with the artwork. We’re grateful to each of our artists, our judges, everyone who voted, and especially Reading Public Library for helping us turn one artist’s vision into something people will be able to carry with them.”
“We are excited to share this beautiful new card with our patrons and recognize everyone who helped bring the project to life,” said Jennifer Bressler, Assistant Director, Reading Public Library.
In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, Reading Public Library will display all three contest designs at the Main Library, 100 S. Fifth St., Reading, throughout the month of September. The community is invited to visit the library to see the artwork submitted by all three local artists and celebrate the creativity and community spirit behind this special collaboration.
The limited-edition Pride library card featuring Living Pride by Anu Morgan will be available at no cost to individuals eligible for a Reading Public Library card, while supplies last.
The collaboration between Reading Public Library and Reading Pride Celebration brings together art, literacy, and belonging.
About Reading Pride Celebration
Reading Pride Celebration is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community of Berks County and surrounding areas. Its mission is to support LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, education, and community engagement — celebrating our history, empowering our future, and ensuring everyone can live openly, authentically, and safely.
About Reading Public Library
Reading Public Library serves the residents of Reading through its Main Library and three neighborhood branches, providing free and open access to information, technology, educational resources, programs, and services for people of all ages. Through literacy initiatives, community outreach, lifelong learning opportunities, and welcoming spaces, Reading Public Library connects people with the resources and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
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