September is National Library Card Sign-up Month

Do you have “the card?” I mean a library card, of course! Each September, since 1987, there has been a national library card sign-up month. It all began 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.” Using a library card regularly enhances a child’s education and combats illiteracy.

Public libraries are an equalizer. People from all walks of life are welcome to use the facility and borrow materials. All it takes to get a card at Nesbitt Memorial Library is you must be 6 years old and have your parent or legal guardian with you to apply for your card. Adults must also be present to apply for themselves. A government issued ID and proof of address is required. If you haven’t gotten one, come by. Have you lost yours? We’ll issue you a replacement.

I’m always impressed when I read about famous and/or successful people who say that the public library opened the door of opportunity for them regarding their career choice. They would spend hours selecting books and reading about people who did things that they hoped to do. Sylvia Acevedo was one of those children. Sylvia was born into a migrant family in Arizona. She longed to study about stars and space and discovered the public library as a place to begin to achieve her goals. Sylvia was the first Latina astronaut and is now the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.

You may say, “My children are so busy, what is there for them to do?” We offer a Summer Reading Program and last year we had a Winter Reading Program, as well. Preschool storytime is offered weekly and includes, singing, reading and a craft. 1000 Books before Kindergarten is a program for parents/ caregivers to read daily to newborns through age 5. We have a Lego Club that meets once a month, weekly Children’s reading club, bimonthly Dungeons and Dragons, and the Teen Advisory Board.

Libraries are good for children…what do they have for adults? There is a lot to offer in materials and services! We purchase many of the latest best-sellers as well as local interest books. We even send you a text to remind you of when the books are due. Downloadable books are available through an app called Libby and are returned automatically. Besides books, we have DVDs, audiobooks on CD, income tax forms, personal computers, wifi printing, a color copier with a scanner, study rooms, a meeting room, book discussion groups, speakers on all kinds of subjects, and a local history archive.

The first theme of the Library Card Sign-Up Month campaign was “The Best Gift You’ll Ever Give Your Child … A Library Card.” Give your child and yourself this gift! In a world of screens, I encourage you to read for pleasure and learning. There is something for everyone at your public library!