MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
In a celebration of artistic talent and the enduring power of free expression, Queens Public Library has crowned 19-year-old illustrator Sammi Wu the winner of its first-ever Banned Books Library Card Design Contest. Wu’s evocative design, selected from a field of over 1,100 submissions, will be featured on a limited-edition library card debuting in Fall 2025 as part of the Library’s Freedom to Read campaign—an initiative championing the right to access diverse stories in the face of growing censorship efforts. The Flushing native and undergraduate at the School of Visual Arts will also receive a $2,000 cash prize.
The contest, launched last October during Banned Books Week, was open to artists aged 13 and older. Entrants were asked to submit original artwork inspired by banned or challenged books or to interpret what the freedom to read means in a borough as diverse as Queens. A panel of judges from QPL and local arts organizations selected the finalists, whose works will also be displayed at various library branches.
Wu’s winning artwork portrays five young people sitting closely together on the 7 train, reading an oversized book that spans their laps. Through the train’s window, iconic Queens landmarks like the Unisphere and the New York State Pavilion observation towers are visible, grounding the piece in a deeply personal and local context.
“I wanted to capture the essence of my childhood growing up in Queens,” Wu said in an interview. “I was fortunate to live in a borough rich in diverse cultures—often referred to as the ‘world’s borough’ for good reason. The children in my design are inspired by my memories of the many friends I made during those years.”
Wu, who was born and raised in Flushing and attended LaGuardia High School as an art major, now studies illustration in Manhattan. She described her work as “a moment of connection by reading together, which highlights the power of books to break down boundaries and foster meaningful relationships.”
The back of the card features the words “Freedom to Read” alongside the Queens Public Library logo—underscoring the message of access and inclusion.
“The public’s robust response to our contest highlights the importance of celebrating the freedom to read, especially as efforts to restrict expression escalate across the country,” said QPL President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “Congratulations to Sammi and all the finalists, whose creative and inspiring designs not only help raise awareness about book bans, but also honor Queens and the many historically marginalized voices that have been challenged over the years.”
“No matter the reason, banning books would restrict these connections and sense of community, encouraging closed-mindedness in a city that thrives in its diversity,” Wu said. “Taking away the freedom to read is the antithesis of what defines Queens.”
Books have long played a central role in Wu’s life. She recalled childhood memories of poring over encyclopedias filled with global folktales and bonding with her twin sister over stories. “I remember how important reading was in shaping my imagination and empathy while growing up,” she said. As she got older, books like The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Maus by Art Spiegelman deepened her understanding of social issues and the importance of marginalized voices.
“It is a great honor to be selected out of so many talented submissions, and I am so thoroughly grateful to be able to represent my borough through my art, especially with a design that I share a nostalgic and personal connection with. All I hope is that my deep love for my home can be felt through the image and resonates with my fellow Queens residents,” Wu said.
According to the American Library Association, book bans in the United States are at record highs, with 821 censorship attempts and 2,452 unique titles challenged in 2024 alone—most targeting works by or about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.
For Wu, the library has always been a place of belonging. “I was very shy as a kid, so I loved the quiet environments,” she said. “However, my favorite memories come from the spontaneous friendships I formed while sharing books with other kids my age… I like to believe that these brief but profound connections are reflected in my design, especially in the soft smiles that adorn each child’s face.”
The Queens Public Library system, one of the largest in the nation, serves one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the world, with 66 locations across the borough and more than 5 million items in circulation. The upcoming release of Wu’s card aims to reaffirm the library’s mission to ensure access to ideas for all—especially in a time when those ideas are increasingly under threat.
