Richmond Public Library announces online store + community vote for merch designs

RPL is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month in style.

Two design options for the Richmond Public Library merchandise design contest; Left design: features a black background, colorful stars, spirals, and a moon and sun; A character with green-colored skin and a red outfit is on an open book with boosting flames at the back; the character reaches for a white rectangle. Right design: An open book designed with yellow and green colors; a green hand holds a Richmond Public Library card atop the book; The background depicts water, a castle, a spaceship, flowers, pets, and other various things.

Exclusive RPL merch designs were created by Richmond-based artist Ash Rudolph.

Designs courtesy of Ash Rudolph + Richmond Public Library

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Richmond Public Library (RPL) is coming in hot with incentives — the announcement of an online merch store, a poll for the first merchandise design, and a chance to win an exclusive T-shirt for yourself.

Head to your local library branch to sign up for a card from Tuesday, Sept. 2, through Tuesday, Sept. 30. After joining the library leagues, your name will be entered into a raffle for the chance to win a new RPL T-shirt.

The contest will wrap at the end of the month, and 10 winners will be announced at the beginning of October. First, the library needs help picking the design.

Vote for your favorite.

Following Library Card Sign-Up Month, RPL will launch its first official online merch store in mid-October, a popular request among local library lovers. We want to rep our free resource and research centers.

The online store will use the design for a variety of products, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, and drinkware.

Already have a library card or wondering what the card includes, besides books? Refresh yourself on the multiverse of free resources.

More from RICtoday
This prismatic phenomenon has captivated curiosity in Virginia Beach, but you might be able to find the mystical occurrence closer to home.
Whether you’re sober, trying out Dry January, or just want more options for delicious drinks, here are several local menus with robust NA options.
Bookmark this page to your favorites tab so you can quickly return and find the top events happening each month in Richmond.
Try out these new places and see what to look forward to in the River City’s restaurant scene.
Over the past few days, Gilpin Court has made headlines with two new community-shaping developments.
Let us know what River City news we should cover in 2026.
The Virginia Museum of History and Culture will host a screening of “National Treasure” with live commentary from studious staff.
Just over one year after a fire caused the beloved local bakery to close, Sub Rosa is ready to open its doors once again.
These gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Read our list and check it twice to see how to get the most out of holiday illuminations in RVA.