By Amy Mann, Children’s Services

It’s that time of year again. We see autumn decorations in the stores, and children are returning to their formal studies. They are sporting new shoes and backpacks, and carrying shiny pencils and scissors to classrooms. But do the schoolchildren in your life have their most valuable school supply? It fits in a pocket, and there is no charge to get one. Can you guess what it is?

When children turn five, they become eligible to get their own Warsaw Community Public Library card. Children who live outside Wayne Township but within the Warsaw Community Schools service area can get a card of their own at no charge. Families just provide proof of address, and voila! The student gets a library card to check out books, children’s movies, children’s video games and music.

Does your student use a tablet? Another benefit of the library card is a big selection of e-books and e- audiobooks. You can check out e-books and e-audio on a computer or mobile device anywhere the Internet is available.

Why do children like having their own library card? I asked some of our young patrons to comment. Corban, 6, was the first to use the word “proud,” and not the only one. Kyser, 10, and Nora, 8, both like being able to check out books on their own. Jett, almost 9, likes to be able to check out books when he is with his sitter. Jett is also amazed that he can check out up to 50 books at a time. Marlein, 8, likes being able to use the Internet computer in the Children’s Room.

What do our young patrons like to check out for themselves? Simon, a kindergartener, enjoys reading Lego books and checking out audiobooks to listen to in the car. He also likes visiting the library to attend story time and other programs, which don’t require a library card. Mya, 10, enjoys checking out the mysteries and dog books she finds at the library. Jack, 6, who feels “happy” when he checks out his own books, likes reading about superheroes. He got his card as part of his fifth birthday celebration.

It’s back-to-school time. Don’t forget your school child’s most valuable school supply! For more information about library cards for students at the Warsaw Community Public Library, visit www.warsawlibrary.org or contact us at (574) 267-6011.