The HPL will place ten sturdy branchlets in neighborhoods throughout Hayward, to provide easy access to free and donated books, to encourage Hayward residents to develop and sustain a love of reading. Volunteer Branchlet Stewards will monitor the branchlets, to provide small, steady supplies of books for children, teens, and adults, in a variety of languages.

Branchlets operate on the honor system “Take a book, Give a book” basis. Similar libraries are popping up all over the world and are extremely popular. People love the idea of free books in the community and enjoy the serendipity of discovering new books.

Contest Rules & Parameters:

• Participants aged 16+ may submit multiple entries.
• Artists are encouraged to submit artwork reflecting the themes, “What I love about Hayward” and the joy of reading. You may, optionally, include a brief note explaining the relationship of your design to this theme.
• Submissions with incorrect spelling or inappropriate language and/or subject material  (including religious or partisan political themes) will be disqualified.
• Winners will be invited to paint their designs on the branchlets at the Downtown Library on Saturday, March 7, or an alternate date scheduled in consultation with library staff.
• The Hayward Library will provide winners free exterior paint in three colors: green, white, and black, to paint their designs. Designers are welcome to provide additional paint colors or design elements at their own cost.
• All submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2019.
• Submissions will only be accepted via email. The email address for submission is Library.Contest@hayward-ca.gov. Hayward Library staff at both locations are available for help with scanning your artwork for submission if you want or need help.
• All entrants must have a current Hayward Public Library card and live, work, volunteer, or attend school in Hayward. HPL and City of Hayward employees are ineligible to participate.
• City of Hayward employees, including library staff, will select the finalists, and the final decision will be made by library management.
• The winners of HPL’s Library Branchlet Design Contest will receive a cash award of $150, public recognition, and exposure on social media.

• All designs must be original works by the submitting artist and free of copyright restrictions. Any submissions that include copyrighted materials will be disqualified.
• Submissions become the property of HPL and will not be returned. No late entries will be accepted. Questions about the design contest can be directed to Sally Thomas. 

Review the below Branchlet dimensions and photos, and submit your design based upon these specifications. 

Library box exterior dimensions: 18" wide x 23" tall x 16" deep

Submit your design online. 

Print contest information and entry form.