PRESS RELEASE – September 16, 2026
LA County Library and Sanrio® Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with Exclusive Hello Kitty® and Friends Library Card
Sanrio®’s first of its kind collaboration with LA County Library features a limited-edition library card, themed programs, and exclusive giveaways for fans of all ages
LA County Library and Sanrio® are celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month with Sanrio’s first-ever collaboration with a library. Beginning September 18, the exclusive Hello Kitty® and Friends at LA County Library collaboration will feature a limited-edition library card, themed programs, and co-branded bookmarks and stickers, inviting Sanrio® fans of all ages to visit their nearest LA County Library location and discover all that the Library has to offer.
The month-long celebration highlights the joy of storytelling, friendship, creativity, and imagination while encouraging residents to sign up for a library card and discover the books, resources, programs, and experiences available at LA County Library.
“For generations, Hello Kitty® and Friends has reminded people of all ages of the joy and care found in friendships and community, and I’m excited to see this new collaboration with our libraries to unite Angelenos during Library Card Sign-Up Month,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “Sanrio fans of all ages will not only reconnect with a beloved universe, but discover the books, programs, technology, and healing spaces. An LA County Library card is more than a card — it’s a key to a lifetime of learning, inspiration, creativity, and connection, and one every resident in Los Angeles County deserves.”
“Sanrio’s Hello Kitty® and Friends have brought joy to fans around the world by celebrating friendship, kindness, and belonging. We are honored that LA County Library is Sanrio’s first library partner, bringing together two organizations that uplift curiosity, creativity, and community,” said Dr. Skye Patrick, Director of LA County Library. “We’re excited to welcome Sanrio fans of all ages into our libraries to pick up our special limited-edition library card while also discovering our wonderful Hello Kitty® and Friends-themed programs and activities.”
“Storytelling, creativity and bringing people together have always been at the heart of Sanrio, which makes this collaboration with LA County Library such a natural fit,” said Jill Koch, Chief Brand Officer, Sanrio, Inc. “We’re excited for Hello Kitty® and Friends to inspire fans of all ages to visit their local library, discover something new, and experience the joy of reading and learning together.”
Limited-Edition Library Card
From September 18 to October 18, new customers can sign up to receive the limited-edition Hello Kitty® and Friends at LA County Library card at any LA County Library location, while supplies last.
Existing customers may replace their current library card with a limited-edition design for a replacement fee of $1 during the promotion. Cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
An LA County Library card provides free access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, educational resources, homework and career support, technology, cultural programming, and other services that support lifelong learning.
Hello Kitty® and Friends Programs and Activities
From September 18 to October 18, LA County Library locations will offer Hello Kitty® and Friends inspired programs and activities celebrating reading, friendship, creativity, and imagination. Offerings are designed for customers of all ages and may include:
- Self-Guided Activities and Displays: Character scavenger hunts, coloring sheets, and Hello Kitty® and Friends inspired reading lists and book displays.
- Early Learners: Friendship-themed stories and hands-on art activities, including Read Together, Share Together, Cinnamoroll™’s Pom Pom Cafe, Pochacco™’s Tissue Art, and Keroppi™’s Donut Pond Paper Craft.
- School-Age Children and Teens: Creative activities featuring friendship bracelets, bookmark-making, character-inspired art and charm workshops, fuse-bead designs, origami, and embroidery.
- Adults: Character-inspired reading lists and book displays, along with a Hello Kitty® and Friends journaling and craft social where adults can personalize journals, planners, and scrapbooks.
Limited-Edition Bookmarks and Stickers
LA County Library locations will also distribute exclusive Hello Kitty® and Friends at LA County Library bookmarks and stickers for free, while supplies last.
Share the Adventure on Social Media
Community members are encouraged to visit their nearest LA County Library location to pick up the limited-edition Hello Kitty® and Friends at LA County Library card, participate in themed programs, and share their library experience on social media by tagging @LACountyLibrary and @Sanrio, as well as use #HelloKittyAndFriends.
They can share photos of their new library card, first checkout, favorite Hello Kitty® and Friends activity, or other memorable moments from their visit.
Learn More
Visit LACountyLibrary.org/HelloKittyandFriends for information about the limited-edition library card, participating library locations and program schedules.
Media Opportunities
Media outlets interested in covering the collaboration may contact pio@library.lacounty.gov to request:
- Interviews with LA County Library representatives
- Advance filming or photography of the limited-edition library card and co-branded materials
- Coverage of participating Hello Kitty® and Friends-themed library programs
- B-roll and approved campaign images, as available
Advance coordination is required for filming and interviews at library locations.
High Resolution Images
Hello Kitty® And Friends LA County Library Card
Hello Kitty® And Friends LA County Library Card & Key Fob
About Sanrio®
Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty® who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody™, Kuromi™, LittleTwinStars™, Cinnamoroll™, Pompompurin™, gudetama™, Aggretsuko™, Chococat™, Badtz-Maru™ and Keroppi™. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
About LA County Library
LA County Library belongs to our communities and serves as a portal to learn, grow, and succeed. Founded in 1912, it is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US, and was awarded the nation’s highest honor—the National Medal for Museum and Library Service—in 2023. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing access for all through culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 87 libraries and 15-vehicle mobile fleet, including Bookmobiles, MākMō maker mobiles, and outreach vehicles. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
