As students prepare to head back to school, there is one essential school supply that requires no shopping and doesn’t cost a penny – it’s a library card.
This September, The Madison Public Library is joining with the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-up Month to encourage parents, caregivers and students to obtain a free library card that will save them money while reaping rewards in academic achievement and lifelong learning.
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. Resources at the Madison Public Library are available to anyone with a library card.
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.
Our Children’s and Teen Departments offer a wide collection of materials to borrow as well as a variety of free programs that focus on early literacy, STEM/STEAM education, and fun!
The library also has a large collection of current bestsellers to borrow, new DVDs, museum passes, eBooks, and a range of programs including seminars, book clubs, and tech assistance. We also provide free public computers, spaces for individual and group study and free, reliable WiFi.
To celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month we will be raffling off three gift baskets and two tickets to Ballet Folklorico de Mexico at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. To join in the fun, bring your driver’s license or other proof of Madison residency to the library to sign-up for a free library card. All new library card holders will receive five raffle tickets for registering with us. Already have a library card? Don’t worry, you can join in, too! Current cardholders will receive a raffle ticket for each checkout they complete during the month of September. Tickets can be used to enter the raffle for any of the baskets.
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. For more information about how to sign up for a library card, please visit the Madison Public Library at 39 Keep Street, or give us a call at 973-377-0722.
