Every September, libraries across the United States celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, a campaign aimed at encouraging individuals to obtain a library card. This initiative highlights the vital role libraries play in the community and emphasizes the importance of having a library card as a key to accessing knowledge, information, and resources.
Library Card Sign-Up Month began in 1987, spearheaded by the American Library Association (ALA) to promote the benefits of library usage and to remind patrons of the invaluable resource that a library card represents. The campaign was launched at a time when public libraries were experiencing a decline in membership, largely due to the increasing availability of information online. By establishing a designated month for library card sign-ups, the ALA aimed to revitalize community engagement with local libraries.
A library card opens the door to countless educational and recreational opportunities. With a library card, patrons gain access to a vast array of books, e-books, audiobooks, online databases, and other materials. Additionally, many libraries host programs that promote literacy, technology training, and community engagement, ensuring that libraries remain relevant in the digital age.
During Library Card Sign-Up Month, libraries often host special events, offer incentives for new cardholders, and showcase their services to encourage more people to explore the wealth of resources available to them. Community members are invited to learn how a library card can enhance their lives, whether through reading, research, or participating in programs that foster lifelong learning.
Over the years, Library Card Sign-Up Month has garnered national recognition, with various celebrities and public figures endorsing the initiative to promote literacy and library usage. This outreach helps to diminish the stereotype that libraries are outdated, reminding the public that they continue to be hubs of information, technology, and community engagement.
As we celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, it’s important to recognize the ongoing efforts of libraries to adapt to changing needs and technologies. The month serves as a reminder of the fundamental role that libraries play in fostering educational growth and community connection in our increasingly digital world. So, if you don’t already have one, why not visit your local library this September and sign up for a library card? It’s a simple step that can enrich your life in countless ways.
Metropolis Public Library Director Colby Kennedy Discusses the Benefits of a Library Card
- Check out books, movies, video games and other materials
- Access to Share Network with Interlibrary Loaning
- E-Books and E-Audio Books online
- Online Book Catalog, Interlibrary Loan, Hold books and Account Management Online -such as renewing a book that you currently have if it is available for renewal
- Personal Reading lists can be created on the website
- Kanopy Streaming Debuting This Week
- How to get a library card
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