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Get a Library Card

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A Public Library Card - Get It. Use It.

A public library (also called circulating library) is a library which is accessible by the public and is generally funded from public sources (such as tax money) and may be operated by civil servants. Taxing bodies for public libraries may be at any level from local to national central government level.

Public libraries exist in most nations of the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population. Public libraries are distinct from research libraries, school libraries, or other special libraries in that their mandate is to serve the public's information needs generally (rather than serve a particular school, institution, or research population), as well as offering materials for general entertainment and leisure purposes. Public libraries typically are lending libraries, allowing users to take books and other materials off the premises temporarily; they also have non-circulating reference collections. Public libraries typically focus on popular materials such as popular fiction and movies, as well as educational and nonfiction materials of interest to the general public; computer and internet access is also often offered. [via Wikipedia]

Contents at a Glance

Your Public Library
10 reasons you should get a library card...
Library Links
Getting a Library Card in the News

Public libraries are one of the most ubiquitous of all American institutions, more widespread than Starbucks or McDonalds.

Your Public Library

September is Library Card Sign-up Month-a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.

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.

ALA | Library Card Sign-up Month

10 reasons you should get a library card during Library Card Sign-up Month

Each September, as students head back to the classroom, the American Library Association urges people to get and use a library card. Smart people, those librarians.

Here are some reasons why you should be putting a library card to good use:

1. You are already paying for it. During these tough economic times, why would you pay double for something? A 2008 poll showed library usage at an all-time high.

2. Save money. While you may want to own a few favorite titles, do you really need all those books? Anyone who has ever moved will tell you, "Moving boxes of books stinks."

3. You get to try titles and genres you might otherwise miss. You may not want to plunk down $20 just to find out you that you detest the latest craze in vampire romance novels.

4. Reading broadly makes you smarter. Studies have repeatedly shown that vocabulary development, language acquisition and background knowledge are all improved in those who have been exposed to a variety of information.

5. You can get more than books with your library card. The library offers an amazing array of products and services: DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, movie nights, computer use, homework help, college prep, after school programs, kid & teen programs, author visits, career planning, and free classes. Many libraries are beginning to feature audio books, eBooks and even eMovies that are downloadable from your home computer.

6. Libraries are better than bookstores. If the bookstore doesn't have a title or subject you are searching for, you can get it through Interlibrary Loan. This even works for international titles! The library also has 24-hour online access. Bookstores close, but you can access databases and reference information while sitting in your pajamas.

7. Free WiFi. No more wardriving or mocha latte obligations for you.

8. They will bring the books to you. Some libraries will deliver titles you request right to your mailbox and many neighborhoods have bookmobiles. Think of it as the corner ice cream truck, only less fattening.

9. Libraries will give you free money. Most library cards offer perks like discounts to museums, zoos and art galleries in your community.

10. Librarians Rock. While you're there, getting your shiny new library card, remember to hug the librarian. They hold the keys to unlocking our mass of information, the superheroes of our information-saturated society.

[via Examiner]

Library Links

Study in Black Art Print

Getting a Library Card in the News

Bridgewater Public Library on track to reclaim accreditation: By Amy Carboneau The first thing Charlotte Rosenberg did when she moved to Bridgewater was to get a library card. But when her town library slashed its hours in 2007 because of budget cuts, Rosenberg drove to West Bridgewater daily, forced to use its ...
Library to feature auto-mechanic class: Now you can access that information not only from the library's computers but also instantly from home with only your library card.? Library staff will demonstrate how to access the websites and point out the features of each database, including repair ...
New Los Gatos Public Library opens to community acclaim: That area was a hive of activity on opening day as librarians issued one library card after another to eager residents. "This feels like opening presents on Christmas," resident Veronica Brown said. "They did an amazing job. It gives new breath to the ...
Library Card Can Get You Free Passes to Go Fish Education Center: 10, a valid local library card can get you and your family free access to the the Go Fish Education Center in Perry. Building on the Georgia Public Library Service's partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the State Park ...

The Public Library Manifesto:
Why Libraries Matter, and How We Can Save Them
by David Morris

Do you have a library card?

My daughter and I like to walk to the library, do some puzzles while we're there, and pick up some new books to read - for the both of us. Story hour is also a fun thing to do with young kids. And we always stop by the library before going to nearby museums to pick up free or discounted passes.

Our library, Westfield Athenaeum Library, is truly a great resource. Unfortunately, they are planning on closing on Mondays because of a lack of funding. We're doing our part by keeping books way too long without renewing and racking up steep late fees. :)

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Tiggered Jan 2, 2012 @ 9:54 am | delete

I sure do :) 90% of what I read comes from the library, which equals 1-2 visits a month :)

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Margo_Arrowsmith May 31, 2011 @ 5:19 am | delete

Some people call this socialism, I call it what makes America great

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terrapin719 May 8, 2011 @ 12:13 pm | delete

Libraries are so often overlooked in favor of internet resources ~ great lens :)

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TapIn2U May 8, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete

Nice one! Public libraries are very helpful to everyone.

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jewelkid87 May 7, 2011 @ 12:10 am | delete

I go to the library all the time! I went today actually :)

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DaveStone13 May 6, 2011 @ 2:33 pm | delete

Libraries were my primary nutritions when I was becoming an itinerant philosopher as a kid. I lived in them, not just my city library in Binghamton where I grew up but the heavenly shelves of the State University where my brother used to drop me off when he went to study.

I was punch drunk with knowledge before I ever finished high school.

Nice campaign. I'll spread it around a little. Good luck!