Transform your school year with a library card
This September, the Monroe County Library System joins with the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-up Month, encouraging parents, caregivers and students to obtain a free library card and reap the rewards of lifelong learning. To celebrate, the Monroe County Library System’s library cards are getting a new look beginning in September 2018. The sleek new design reflects the Library’s forward thinking and deep-rooted history. A modern color scheme and soft lines balance the caption “Enriching the quality of life for all residents of Monroe County Michigan since 1934.”
Everyone who resides, works, or attends school in Monroe County is eligible for a library card. A patron’s first library card is free. In honor of Library Card Sign-Up Month, MCLS is also waiving the standard replacement fee for lost or damaged cards.
The Power of a Library Card
Whether it’s providing free access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help or technology workshops, a library card is one of the most cost effective back-to-school supplies. Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show 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.
“The power of the library card remains unchanged. It is still the key to opening a world of possibilities,” explained Nancy Bellaire, Director of the Monroe County Library System. “Library cards allow us to deliver traditional library resources on a variety of modern platforms,” Bellaire continued.
This year, Disney’s the Incredibles are Library Card Sign-up Month honorary chairs, helping to promote the value of a library card and bring attention to the many ways libraries and librarians transform lives and communities through education.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.