The San Diego Public Library is once again celebrating San Diego Comic-Con with an exclusive commemorative library card, and the 2026 design is ready to welcome everyone to the library. Yes, even aliens.

This year’s official Comic-Con library card was illustrated by artist Keithan Jones, founder and owner of KID Comics and the creator of Black Com!x Day. The design features a group of alien visitors making their way toward the San Diego Central Library, with a trolley approaching in the background, reinforcing the idea that the library is a space where everyone is welcome.

The 2026 Comic-Con library card will be available beginning Thursday, July 23 at 36 San Diego Public Library locations, while supplies last. California residents can sign up for a new library card for free, and replacement fees have been waived for July 2026.

Comic-Con attendees can also find a limited quantity of the cards at the San Diego Public Library Booth #5523 beginning on Preview Night. Cards picked up at the convention will need to be activated by staff at a San Diego Public Library location.

Fans will also have a chance to meet the artist behind this year’s design. Jones will be signing the 2026 Comic-Con library card at Booth #5523 on Saturday, July 25 from 12pm-1pm. A Comic-Con badge is required for the signing.

The library card is just one piece of the San Diego Public Library’s Comic-Con programming this year. The free Comic-Con Conference for Educators and Librarians returns to the San Diego Central Library (with programming running from Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), exploring the role comics can play in education and literacy.

Cosplayers in need of an emergency repair can also head to the Central Library’s IDEA Lab on the fourth floor. The Cosplay Repair Station will be open Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 from 11am-5pm, as well as Saturday, July 25 from 1pm-5pm, offering access to sewing supplies, adhesives, wig supplies, tools, and equipment for common cosplay fixes, while supplies last.

And on Friday, July 24 from 8pm-9pm, the librarians return for the fifth annual Blind Date with a Book at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina in Grand 12 & 13. The dating game-style event will once again attempt to help three lucky audience members find their next literary love.