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.

What’s Going on at LME Library in September

As students head back to school, we encourage parents to visit the Lillie M. Evans Library and make sure their children and teens sign-up for the most important school supply of all - a library card.  Everyone who lives in the Princeville School District age 5 and over is eligible for a LME Library card.  Students can access free databases, checkout library materials, and attend programs that provide an added value to the educational experience. No wonder that 84-percent of American’s agree that the public library is important to education. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so when you register, be sure to enter the “I Got Mine!” drawing.  Each week, there will be an opportunity to win a Princeville Princes discount card.  The final drawing will be for a Casey’s gift card.  If you already have a library card, you can enter the drawing by updating your contact information and getting your picture taken with your card.  This September, open the door to a world of possibilities for the student in your life and sign up for a library card today.

September also kicks off with a new LME Biggest Loser program- the fall 2012 edition.  The LME Biggest Loser runs from September 5 and can help you to shed pounds and get fit. Participants compete for prizes during the 8 week program which will be on display just inside our Walnut Street entrance. Weekly weigh-ins will be at the library on Wednesdays between 9a-8p. There are lots of opportunities to attend programs and workout session. Visit the library’s website at http://lmelibrary.org for additional information.

Story times and a new toddler time are available for our younger members.  FALL Storytime for 3-5 year olds will begin on September 11 and will be a 5 week session on the following dates on Tuesdays, Sept 11, 18, 25, October 2, & 16 @ 9:30 or 10:30 AM (please note there will not be Storytime on October 9th).  You may sign up your child by phone, in person or online through the library’s website. Be sure to note what session time you would prefer in the comments section. Space is limited and sessions fill up fast so please register ASAP.  In addition, there will be a new Storytime option, especially for children 18 months up to 36 months and an accompanying adult. This Storytime will include stories, songs and action rhymes but no crafts. Dates are Wednesdays, September 12, 19, 26, October 3 & 17 (no session on October 10).  The 5 week session runs from 10:30 - 10:50 AM.  No registration necessary! Drop-ins welcome!

In conjunction with the Princeville Heritage Museum, we are sponsoring a Hobo Quilts Program on Sunday, September 16th, 2012 at 3:30pm at the Princeville Heritage Museum.  Author, Debra Henninger will present the program.  Debi is the owner of 3 quilt shops in the area and has recently written a book, Hobo Quilts, based on quilts she designed using hobo signs.   Debi will discuss the history and lifestyle of hobos and present some of the quilts she made in preparation of her book.  Please note this program is at the Museum which is located at 325 N. Ostrom in Princeville and their phone number is  (309)385-1916.  All this and more can be found on the library’s website at: http://lmelibrary.org.