September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country promote the value of a library card and library services. From finding a job, starting a new business, to getting homework help and becoming more engaged in your community, a library card offers limitless opportunities to transform lives through education and lifelong learning.
With a library card, patrons can check out so much more than books. No longer just repositories for printed materials, today’s libraries are serving as tech hubs, community centers and DIY spaces that are more about connecting and plugging in.
“A free library card is essential to people of all ages,” ALA President Sari Feldman says. “Through our support of education, employment, entrepreneurship, engagement and empowerment, libraries are transforming to create individual opportunity and community progress. Libraries have proven to be a safe haven in times of crisis, a bridge across the digital divide and a catalyst for content creation through nontraditional resources such as 3D printers, recording studios, culinary classrooms and lendable tools.”
Libraries are also excellent places to learn and use different technology.
Joining the ALA in efforts to increase library card registrations is Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair Snoopy, the world-famous beagle from the beloved Peanuts comics.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. It is a time when the ALA and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Libraries across Northeast Ohio is joining in the fun! Here are a few ways some libraries are honoring the Sign-Up month:
Willoughby-Eastlake Library — Food for Fines will be held during the month of September (National Library Card Sign-Up month). September 21-26, patrons can bring in non-perishable food items and have Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library fines erased. One Food erases fines on one library item All food will be donated to the McKinley Community Outreach Center in Willoughby.
Cuyahoga County Library —Top Dog Event at Parma-Snow Branch, 2121 Snow Road, Parma, Friday, September 11, 3-5 p.m. Bring your dog and join us in the Parma-Snow west parking lot as we celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month and find out which of our Library Top Dog Photo Contest finalists will win Best in Show. You’ll also meet amazing pooches who are available for adoption and get your own free custom library card with a photo of your dog. Plus, enter into a raffle for your chance to win great prizes donated by our event partners. See more details about the event here.
Mentor Library— Shows You What a Library Card Can Do Because a library card gives you access to a lot: books, movies, music, magazines, eBooks, online courses, language tutorials, databases and more—all for free. So do you use your card to check out books and movies, watch Hoopla on the go, download music on Freegal, practice Spanish, read books on your Kindle or iPad, improve your photography skills?All month, the Mentor Library will be chatting with library patrons about how they use their cards. See what they had to say here.
Westlake Library — 20 Things to Do at Your Library — In honor of National Library Card Sign-up Month, here are a few things you can do through Westlake Porter Public Library. See the list here.
Akron-Summit County Public Library — If you are looking for a library card from this system, they have an easy to connect. See their featured list of ways you can get a library card, use their services and more!
Avon Lake Library —You may have a chance to win a family pass to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo when signing up your child for a card. Visit their website.
