Your Library Card: The Best School Supply of All
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the St. Johns County Public Library System joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.
Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help, transforming lives and communities through education. At any of the St. Johns County Public Library branch locations, bookmobiles, and virtual services, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including programming for youth and adults, online databases to assist with studying, and a large collection of reference materials covering a myriad of topics.
“A library card is your ticket to free educational resources and activities that bring families and friends together,” said Debra Rhodes Gibson, St. Johns County Library Director. “Libraries not only provide resources to parents and children that support early literacy and lifelong learning, but they truly transform how families spend time together.”
The St. Johns County Public Library System, along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit www.sjcpls.org.
This year, Marley Dias, founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, author and executive producer, is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. In her new role, Dias will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card. During September, the St. Johns County Public Library System will host Library Card Sign-up activities including a variety of virtual and in-person programs, a 20% discount to select Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra concerts for their 2021-2022 season, and a special pilot program, “Read Down Your Fines,” intended to promote youth literacy, removing $1.00 in late fines for every 30 minutes a youth patron reads inside the library, available at the Main Branch Library, 1960 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., and the Hastings Branch Library, 6195 S. Main St.
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 work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.