When the St. Paul Public Library system announced on Tuesday it was offering free, limited-edition library cards adorned by a loon with laser eyes shooting upward, it expected interest to be high. But demand has been downright loony.

In fact, the laser-loon cards are all gone, as are the cover-all stickers that existing cardholders could request in lieu of new cards.

“Well… those went quick!” reads a social media post from the library system on Thursday.

As supplies flew the coop, some patrons reported visiting as many as four library locations to trap the elusive laser-loon library card. For disappointed fans, the library system has promised to print one more run of cards and cover-all stickers by the end of February. Availability will be announced on the library system’s website and social media channels.

The feathered mascot was inspired by a submission to the state’s flag and state seal contest, which drew some 2,600 submissions. The new flag design lacks a loon, as does the old one.

Merchandise featuring the red-eyed bird is still available for sale on the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library website.

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