September is Library Card Sign-up Month!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when the nation’s public libraries highlight the value of a library card. As children head back to school, family time is often hindered by homework and afterschool and social activities.

A public library card is your ticket to free educational resources and activities that bring families together. Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. Libraries not only provide resources to parents and children that support early literacy and lifelong learning, but truly transform how families spend time together.

Card holders have free access to a family destination that provides a spectrum of free services, including technology instruction; STEAM programs/activities; book clubs; storytimes; and reading programs for all ages.  Today’s public libraries are thriving technology hubs that millions rely on as their first or only choice for Internet access and digital content. In addition to books, magazines, DVDs, computers, games, software and other multimedia materials, libraries provide access to e-books and e-book readers. Ninety percent of libraries offer access to e-books, an increase of 14 percent from 2012. Mobile devices, including e-book readers are available at 39 percent of libraries.

Throughout Library Card Sign-Up Month, libraries will offer a variety of incentives to spur signups and renewals. At the Lillie M. Evans Library, all library card holders can be photographed with their library cards and enter into a prize drawing.  Please stop in today to register or update your library card information and submit your entry!

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.

For more information regarding Library Card Sign-up Month, please visit the LME Library website at http://lmelibrary.org.