Applications are now closed for this opportunity. Thank you for your interest. Please reach out to publicaffairs@sfpl.org with questions.
Bay Area artists! Have you illustrated a commercially published children’s book? Do you love your library and San Francisco? Is your work a great fit for a summer learning campaign? If yes, we’re looking for you.
Summer Stride is the award-winning, landmark citywide reading and learning program presented by San Francisco Public Library in partnership with Mayor Daniel Lurie, National Park Service and San Francisco Unified School District. This literacy campaign fosters reading, learning, exploring and community as well as discovering local treasures. Summer Stride is designed to support youth learning and experiences, and all ages are encouraged to participate.
Each year, the Library chooses a children’s book illustrator to create stunning art, inspired by a recent book, to promote the program and invite San Franciscans (and beyond!) to join the fun. Your art would be prominently featured across the city on 28 library buildings as well as bookmobiles, posters, tote bags, public transit ads and more. In addition, your art would be spotlighted in a robust digital and social media campaign with a combined reach of over 500,000 people.
Summer Stride touches thousands of people every day. We’re excited to invite you to apply to be our featured 2026 illustrator for this important literacy campaign!
We are offering a $5000 stipend to the selected artist.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Central Themes
The art for Summer Stride should excite, unify and celebrate San Francisco’s diversity, urban environment and natural resources. It should:
- Communicate the vibrancy and love of our libraries
- Capture the inclusive spirit of San Francisco: Reflect and foreground all members of our community (ages, ethnicities, abilities, sizes, LGBTQIA+, etc.) reading and interacting in hands-on activities, both indoor and outdoor
- Emphasize reading and exploring SF’s urban landscape
Appeal to youth and adults
Art Deliverables
- 6 pieces of full-size art
- 30 pieces of spot art
- Handlettered alphabet and numbers
Time Commitment
October 2025 – Initial meeting with Library liaisons for project kickoff
November/December 2025 – Artist provides sketches and receives feedback from Library
January/February 2026 – Final art due
May through August 2026 – Artist to engage in five Summer Stride-related events
APPLICATION MATERIALS
- Artist statement (no more than 500 words)
- Please provide 1-2 paragraphs about why your work is a good fit for the Library’s summer reading and learning program.
- Please describe your experience living in San Francisco or the Bay Area.
- Resume
- Portfolio
- 10-12 examples of your most recent design work (student, personal and/or professional projects welcome). Include a description of your children’s book/s.
Only complete applications with the above materials will be considered.
All materials submitted will be used solely for the purpose of this application.
HOW TO APPLY
Please fill out our artist application form.
Deadline to submit application: July 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact publicaffairs@sfpl.org. Thank you for your interest!