Skip Navigation

Banned Book Trading Card Community Art Project

Banned Book Trading Card Community Art Project

During the month of September, East Asheville Public Library is collecting community art submissions that redesign the covers of banned books.  Selected designs will then be printed onto trading cards to be distributed during Banned Books Week Oct. 4 through Oct. 10.  This community art project began in 2025 and 40 artists submitted designs. 18 cards were printed and traded at East Asheville Library.

Learn more about Banned Books Week at ala.org/bbooks.

Most Challenged Books of 2025 

According to the American Library Association, the 11 most challenged books of 2025 were the following titles:

  • 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 Handmaids Tale by Maragaret Atwood

  • The Hate You 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 and Jason Reynolds

  • Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

Step 1: Select the Banned Book Cover You Want to Reimagine

You can choose from the list above or research other banned books on the American Library Association's website.

Image of 20 banned book covers

Step 2: Design

Draw your own unique version of a book on paper or digitally. 

Step 3: Submit Your Design by Sept. 26

Artists can submit their hand-drawn paper designs in person at the East Asheville Library or online via email at eastasheville.library@buncombenc.gov. Download the Banned Book Trading card submission form. Complete the entire submission form including the following information:

  • Name of the book you are redesigning
  • Your name
  • Your contact information (email or phone number)
  • Would you like us to display your artwork? 
  • Would you like your art to be considered for printing on a trading card?
  • Would you like to enter your name into a drawing for a Banned Books mug or tote bag?

Digital submissions can be submitted as PNG, JPEG, or PDF files. 

Step 4: Celebrate Banned Books Week with Buncombe County Libraries

Librarians will pick designs from those submitted to print as trading cards and give away during Banned Books Week, Oct. 4 - 10, 2026. 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 designs? Any Buncombe County resident of any age is welcome to submit a design.

  2. Can I use AI to create my design? No, please only submit fully human created designs.

  3. If I submit my design digitally, what file formats are accepted? Digital submissions can be submitted as PNG, JPEG, or PDF files.