Announcing the 2026 Banned Book Trading Card Community Art Project

The East Asheville Public Library invites community members of all ages to take part in the 2026 Banned Book Trading Card Community Art Project, a creative celebration of freedom to read. Throughout September, artists can submit original artwork to redesign the covers of banned or challenged books.

Selected designs will be printed and distributed as collectible trading cards during Banned Books Week, Oct. 4–10, 2026. Now in its second year, the project continues to grow in enthusiasm and participation. In 2025, 40 artists submitted their work, and 18 standout designs were transformed into trading cards that sparked conversation and connection at the East Asheville Library.

Choose Your Book: Most Challenged Titles of 2025

According to the American Library Association, the most challenged books of 2025 include powerful works across genres and age groups. Artists may choose from this list or select another banned book to reimagine:

“A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess
 “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
 “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
 “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
 “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
 “The Breakaways” by Cathy G. Johnson
 “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
 “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier
 “Draw Me a Star” by Eric Carle
 “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas
 “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe
 “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
 “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
 “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
 “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins
 “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
 “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo
 “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
 “Maus” by Art Spiegelman
 “Melissa” by Alex Gino
 “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez
 “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
 “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins
 “Sold” by Patricia McCormick
 “Stamped” by Ibram X. Kendi & Jason Reynolds
 “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout

How to Participate

Step 1: Select a book cover to redesign
Choose a title from the list above or explore additional banned books at ala.org/bbooks.

Step 2: Create your artwork
 Design your own reimagined book cover using traditional or digital media.
 Please note: All artwork must be fully human-created. AI-generated designs are not accepted.

Step 3: Submit by Sept. 26
Download or print the Banned Book Trading Card submission form, or pick one up at the East Asheville library. Artists may submit hand-drawn designs at the East Asheville Public Library or send digital submissions (PNG, JPEG, or PDF) via email to [email protected] Make sure to include the submission form with your attached design.

Step 4: Celebrate Banned Books Week
 Librarians will select designs to print as trading cards and distribute them throughout Banned Books Week, Oct. 4–10 at East Asheville Public Library. All participating artists will be entered into a drawing to win themed prizes such as mugs, bracelets, and notebooks. Anyone who turns in a submission in person can receive a banned book sticker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can submit artwork? Any Buncombe County resident of any age.
2. Can I use AI to make my design? No. Artwork must be fully created by hand or digital illustration tools operated by the artist.
3. What file formats are accepted for digital submissions? PNG, JPEG, or PDF file types are accepted.

Learn more about the community art initiative at the 2026 Banned Book Trading Card project page.

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