Tuesday, September 16, 2008 — 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.
The observance was launched in 1987 to meet the challenge of then Secretary of Education William J. Bennett who said, “Let’s have a national campaign . . . every child should obtain a library card — and use it.”
Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to see every child does just that.
Library cards are generally free to any Stanly County resident. Materials can be checked out as soon as the card is issued.
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.
The Stanly County Public Library offers books, magazines, audio-and videotapes, computers, software and other multi-media materials. And librarians are on hand to recommend materials suitable for various ages and interests.
All locations of the Stanly County Public Library will be celebrating in September with prizes and give-aways. Bring a friend who doesn’t have a library card in to get a card. Both of you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card. And the adult and child at each location who bring in the most people to get library cards will be entered into a drawing for book sale gift cards.
Everyone who uses their card during the month will be automatically entered into a drawing for one of 19 Memory Brand USB devices.
The library also has card holder key chains to give away and brand new library cards with a key card option to go with its new Web site.
Be sure to stop by any of the library locations in Albemarle, Badin, Norwood, Oakboro or Locust during September to see what a library card can do for you. Also be sure to check out the library’s Web site at www.stanlycountylibrary.org and see what is new.
