By Muhammad Talha
Barking & Dagenham Libraries are calling on young artists aged 6–12 to take part in an exciting new competition to design the next official Barking & Dagenham Library Card.
This inspiring initiative invites children to express their creativity and imagination through art, celebrating both the borough’s rich past and its bright future. Entrants can choose from two uplifting themes: • Our Heritage – celebrating the stories, people, and history that shaped Barking & Dagenham. • Our Future – imagining what libraries and communities might look like in the years ahead.
As part of the campaign, Bookbike London recently visited the Barking Learning Centre, where young readers met with Monzur and the Bookbike team to talk about stories, art, and what libraries mean to them. The visit aimed to spark creative thinking and encourage more children to take part in the design challenge.
Speaking about the initiative, Muhammad Haque, Library Services said: “This initiative gives young people a voice in shaping how their community looks and feels. Libraries are the heart of creativity and learning, and we want every child to feel they have a place in that story.”
The winning design will appear on library cards across all Barking & Dagenham libraries, giving one young artist the chance to leave a creative legacy seen by readers throughout the borough for years to come.
Deadline for entries: Friday, 31 October 2025 Submissions: Universal.External@lbbd.gov.uk
Barking & Dagenham Libraries are encouraging schools, parents, and community groups to spread the word and help inspire the next generation of young creatives.