By Julie F.

Howard County Library System is proud to have so many devoted customers who love our library and all of our books, music, movies, online resources, classes, and events. But we have good news for anyone in your orbit who is not familiar with all the exciting things the library does: September is Library Card Sign-up Month! Share with your friends, families, neighbors, and colleagues that they, too, can make the most of all that an HCLS library card has to offer.

A new library card empowers learners and readers through the three pillars of HCLS: self-directed education, research assistance and instruction, and instructive and enlightening experiences. HCLS’ mission is to deliver high-quality public education for all, and much of that is delivered through your library card: whether Books, Movies & Music from our outstanding collection or Online Resources that provide free, self-directed education at your fingertips, your library card is a passport to all of our helpful virtual services. Whether you’re looking for Consumer Reports online or hoping to help your child prepare for SAT or AP exams, you can access all of these with a library card number and PIN. The possibilities are unlimited!

As the American Library Association notes, “Marley Dias, author, executive producer, and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, is joining the American Library Association and libraries nationwide in promoting the power of a library card this September. As honorary chair, Dias wants to remind the public that signing up for a library card provides access to technology, multimedia content and educational programming that transforms lives and strengthens communities. ‘A library card provides opportunity for discovery and access to a rich and diverse world. It empowers you to make change and experience new stories.'”

(Source: http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card).

Sign up for a library card and find something wonderful at HCLS! From virtual and in-person classes and events to DVDs and audiobooks, from literacy and STEM activity kits to instructive DIY tools and equipment and classes, there is something for everyone online or at one of our six branches. 

Julie is an instructor and research specialist at HCLS Miller Branch who finds her work as co-editor of Chapter Chats very rewarding. She loves gardening, birds, books, all kinds of music, and the great outdoors.