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 reading 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 the 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 2027 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