Libraries open up whole new worlds. So does Star Trek, if you immerse yourself in its various tours of space exploration. I never thought the two would overlap, but it turns out, my very own city proved me wrong.
Look at this thing. It is the most glorious tribute to my favorite sci-fi franchise.
(Obviously, that piece of art is an oversized version of what you get—the real version is a normal sized library card, as documented by redditor u/crazymacattack.)
This collaboration between San Francisco and Paramount was part of earlier citywide celebrations honoring Star Trek’s 60th anniversary. A perfect partnership, given that San Francisco is home to Starfleet (including Starfleet Academy) in the Star Trek universe.
Despite the promotion having officially run for just one week in February, California residents can still head to SF and open a library account. (And yes, all California residents are eligible to open a library account anywhere in the state. The catch is you have to show up in person to do so.) The branch I checked with still had plenty of the Star Trek-themed cards left, but stock may vary depending on which one you visit.
If you’re not a California resident, there’s still plenty to love about libraries. In addition to books, magazines, newspapers, and movies, you can borrow some really unique items from some locations, like tools. Or you can access 3D printers on site. That definitely opens up new worlds.
And you know, regardless of where you live, the art used on these library cards is worthy of internet petitions to make it widely available. It’d look great on my wall, is all I’m saying. Even if I manage to secure one of these library cards.