LA County Library Releases Special Edition Commemorative Library Cards in Honor of 19th Amendment Centennial
In Partnership with the LA County Department of Arts and Culture and the Women and Girls Initiative, the Cards Feature Three Works by Commissioned Artists
To honor this centennial anniversary of the ratification and adoption of the 19th Amendment and the ongoing work toward achieving equity, Los Angeles County is using the arts to celebrate: its Department of Arts and Culture has collaborated with the Women and Girls Initiative to commission six artists to create commemorative artworks, which reflect a diversity of women and perspectives and highlight themes such as empowerment, civic engagement, resiliency, and the right to vote. LA County Library has made three of the artworks into special edition library cards, which are now available.
These special edition cards are available starting today (Wednesday, October 14) at all LA County Library locations currently offering Sidewalk Service, during business hours, while supplies last. The cards function like a traditional library card, with the same benefits. Existing library cards may be exchanged for these designs, free of charge. To apply for a new library card or replace a current library card, customers should call their nearest Sidewalk Service library, and will need to wear a mask when picking up the new card.
The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture has also made available new digital downloads of posters of all six artworks, for those who wish to print and post in their home, office, school, or business. These posters are in addition to downloadable social media graphics, which can be shared digitally in advance of the November 3 election, and beyond, to inspire and encourage others to exercise their right to vote.
“These remarkable artworks illustrate the breadth of the movement for women’s suffrage and our persistence as we continue the fight for full equality 100 years after the ratification of the 19th Amendment,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “Every time someone uses one of these library cards, it will remind them that our struggle has a long history, and it continues still.”
“I commend these six artists for their beautiful tribute to the decades of protest and struggle that brought about freedoms many of us enjoy today,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These artworks also serve as a reminder that much still needs to be done to achieve full equality for women and transgender people of color. As we celebrate these artworks, let us reflect on how far we have come and recognize how far we must go. Today, and every day, we must fight for equal rights, equal pay, and equal treatment—and that includes equal access to the ballot box.”
“I am thrilled that LA County Library is a partner in this momentous, cross-departmental collaboration celebrating the Suffragists’ struggle and achievements with these creative works,” said Library Director, Skye Patrick. “We know that many Library fans cherish their library cards as collectibles, and we hope that these cards—which commemorate such a significant time in our history—will hold special value for our customers.”
“The Department of Arts and Culture is delighted to collaborate with our County partners and these incredible artists on the commemoration of this historic anniversary,” said Department of Arts and Culture Director Kristin Sakoda. “The arts have the power to illuminate narratives, give voice to those whose stories have been marginalized, and promote social change. These talented six artists have centered equity, inclusion, access, and representation in their work—values that are core to the County and this important time for civic engagement.”
The three commissioned centennial artworks that have been made into special edition library cards are: “Raise Your Voice” by artist Laura Vazquez Rodriguez, “Resistance and Restitution” by artist Moses X Ball, and “Unify” by artist Amy Smith. The other commissioned artworks are: “Why We Vote” by artist Ragni Agarwal, “Mary” by photographer Clarence J. Williams III, and “Not Done Yet,” by artist Andrea Monroe.
The Women and Girls Initiative has commemorated the centennial with a timeline celebrating 100 women who played a role in shaping LA County, an interactive map that illustrates how many women in the county are eligible to vote but have not yet registered, and a toolkit to increase voter registration.
“The Women and Girls Initiative was honored to lead LA County’s 100th Anniversary Celebration of the 19th Amendment and to partner with county departments and so many in the community,” said Abbe Land, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative. “The artworks commissioned by the Department of Arts and Culture represent the heart and soul of what the 100th Anniversary Celebration is about – where we were and where we want to go, and the importance of women’s participation in civic engagement. The spirit of the centennial celebration will live on in these amazing works of art for years to come.”
For more information about the cards, including FAQs, as well as associated booklists and virtual programming—including a special interview with the artists—visit LACountyLibrary.org/
For more information about all six artworks, including downloadable files and biographies of the artists, visit the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.
