September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a national campaign to emphasize the importance of library cards to a child’s education and to combat illiteracy. The campaign first started in 1987 as a response to then Secretary of Education, William Bennett, who stated: “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.”

Whether you’re upgrading your skills, scouting for knowledge and information, or connecting with other heroic readers, a library card is your key to an arsenal of resources. Spark your creativity as a builder or programmer by tinkering in your library’s makerspace; mine the library’s stacks and databases for new stories and adventures; kickstart your critical thinking skills to defeat the Decepticons of misinformation lurking online. Hitting the road? Use your library card to fuel your mind with books, e-books, audiobooks, and museum passes.

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Have a Library Card!

1) Free Books Galore!

We have something for readers of all ages and interests. In addition to physical copies, we offer instant online access to free ebooks and audiobooks, which you can download from home using Boundless, Libby, and hoopla digital!

2) Movies, Music, Magazines, & More!

We offer free online access to streaming video and music on hoopla digital! At the library, you can read up on your favorite magazines and newspapers, and even check out puzzles and tools from our Library of Things! We also carry educational tools for parents and teachers including STEM Kits and Early Literacy Kits.

3) Free Internet Access!

Come set up your laptop in one of our comfy seating areas, or hop on one of our public computers. If you’re on the go, you can check out one of our T-Mobile hotspots for free internet access wherever you are!

4) Big Savings on Activities!

We offer a range of free programs for all ages – all year round. Check out what opportunities are available on our online events calendar.

5) Supporting Access to Information for ALL!

Libraries promote free and open access to information for everyone. Registering for a library card is one of the easiest ways to support this mission! When you sign up for a library card, you’re helping demonstrate that today’s libraries are more important than ever!