The Los Angeles County Library system saw an unexpected surge in patrons last week, thanks to a new initiative featuring one of the most recognizable faces in the world: Hello Kitty. On launch day, thousands of adults converged on local branches across L.A. County, eager to get their hands on new library cards adorned with Hello Kitty and several other beloved Sanrio characters.
Anticipating the rush, Library Director Skye Patrick admitted to bracing for "complete mayhem" the day before the cards dropped. By Friday afternoon, the library had already issued at least 4,400 of the special cards, with totals still being compiled. The response highlights the enduring appeal of the anthropomorphic cat, whose expressionless mug has graced everything from toys to a Fender Strat.
For many, the draw was a mix of nostalgia and collecting. Sisa Salazar, a 22-year-old florist from Mar Vista, waited in line at the Marina del Rey branch to replace a lost card. She told onlookers she thought the design was "super cute" after seeing it advertised on Instagram. Salazar, who frequented the library in high school, saw the new card as an opportunity to reconnect with the system.
The Marina del Rey library remained busy throughout Friday afternoon, with a steady line of over 50 people extending out the door. Similar scenes played out across the county, including at the South Whittier Library, where dozens lined up before its 10 a.m. opening. The demand quickly depleted supplies at several locations, with spokesperson Jessica Lee confirming via email that the West Hollywood, Carson, West Covina, La Mirada, Marina del Rey, and Alondra branches ran out of cards on the first day. However, cards remain available at other locations and through the county’s roving bookmobiles.
Beyond Hello Kitty herself, the card features other popular Sanrio figures, including My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Keroppi, Cinnamoroll, Chococat, and Pochacco. For patrons like Rebecca Leach, a 43-year-old registered nurse from Playa del Rey, the cards evoked fond childhood memories. Leach, who already uses her L.A. County Library card to read e-books on the Libby app and even sports a Hello Kitty badge reel at work, visited several branches on Friday before finding a manageable line in Marina del Rey.
Jolyne Jimenez, 51, a library assistant at the independent Santa Monica Public Library, also spent her day off waiting for the card in Marina del Rey. A fan of My Melody, Jimenez said she believed it was "great that they’re promoting the library more and doing outreach."
Library Director Patrick noted that while limited-edition cards aren't new—previous designs have honored events like the centennial of the 19th Amendment and the FIFA World Cup—the level of excitement for the Sanrio collection is unprecedented. She described the reaction as an "uncommon buzz," expressing hope that the significant interest would translate into increased awareness of the library's broader offerings, which extend beyond books and e-books to include streaming content, household tools, musical instruments, and podcast equipment.
The special Hello Kitty cards will be available through October 18, utilizing a free, one-month licensing agreement with Sanrio. The L.A. County Library plans to restock cards as needed before the collaboration period concludes, aiming to meet the sustained demand from Southern California's legions of Sanrio fans.