Waushara County libraries reveal new library card design

The card is bright, colorful, and framed with stacks of books. The more you look, the more you see! Tennessen challenges cardholders to see how many local plants and animals they can identify!

Tennessen first sketched the idea on paper. She gathered reference photos of plants and animals from around the area. For the different stacks of books in the illustration, she used a real-life reference by stacking some of her own books on the kitchen counters and photographing them as a reference. While many may think Photoshop is just for photo editing, Tennessen shares that she actually used it for the first draft of the sketch. She drew in Photoshop with her art tablet that connects to her computer, just as she would have done with the classic sketchbook method.

Posted Monday, March 2, 2026 4:12 pm

By Hayley Sroka, Editor

Waushara County libraries are excited to reveal their new library card design. This design was created by local artist Riley Tennessen, which gives it a special local touch.
Tennessen is originally from Alabama and graduated from Wautoma High School. She is currently studying Psychology, Neuroscience, and Art.
Tennessen has had a passion for art and design from a young age, but found a special interest in digital art around five years ago. She has been enjoying learning different techniques and improving her skills along the way. Traditionally, she enjoys using oil and acrylic paints, or will use pencil and colored pencil. “Anything but charcoal! That is too messy for me,” she said.
As an artist, she seeks inspiration from old paintings/textiles, artists’ work online, and game graphics. Most notably, she is inspired by nature and her grandfather, who works as an entomologist and does scientific drawings. This has taught her to take her time to study before starting a new project. “For example, if I were going to paint a pegasus, maybe I’d study equine and birdwing anatomy. I like to take my time with the process!”
Hannah Klusmeyer, Wautoma Public Library Director, approached Tennessen, along with other Waushara directors, with ideas, which were then translated into the illustration. She enjoyed bringing the ideas to life through her drawing. Klusmeyer wanted to incorporate local flora and fauna into the design. Tennessen did her best to include as many species as she could without overcrowding the card.
The cards are available at all Waushara County libraries. New users get their first card free. If you already have your card, you can still receive a new one with a one-dollar fee. All cards will be free at Wautoma Public Library to celebrate National Library Week, April 19-25.