WCPL: Library Card Sign-Up Month
By Ann M. Zydek, director
WARSAW — Join Warsaw Community Public Library and the American Library Association in celebrating the 31st Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.
This year, the national theme is “Get a Library Card and Check Out Something Incredible!”
The Disney Pixar’s superhero family, the Incredibles, as honorary chairs, have teamed up with libraries to promote the value of a library card. The Incredibles remind us that signing up for a library card is a great step toward a “super” lifestyle: libraries offer informative and fun “books and more” to help you pursue your lifelong learning interests and passions and succeed in school and work.
Since 1987, the goal has been to have every child own and actively use a library card at the start of the school year to access library collections and services. A library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available. Residents of Wayne Township can sign up for free cards at WCPL. Applicants must be at least five years old.
As of September 2015 estimates, 119,487 U.S. libraries are powerful partners helping children, teens, and adults bridge the digital divide. Libraries are essential providers of public Internet access, computers, and training that community members need to survive and thrive in today’s digital world.
In a 2018 study by OCLC, the ALA, and Public Library Association, “From Awareness to Funding: Voter Perceptions and Support of Public Libraries,” a majority of U.S. voters believe public libraries are essential to communities and a source of civic pride. These voters value traditional library services such as free access to books and quiet areas, but they also increasingly value the library as a community hub.
September is a great month to check if your library card is active and evaluate the library services you value. Check out something incredible at www.warsawlibrary.org.