BCPL 

Press release 

This September, the Boyle County Public Library (BCPL) is joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to remind parents, caregivers and students that a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.

To encourage people to utilize the library and all the free services it offers, during the month of September, lost BCPL library cards can be replaced for free. In addition, anyone who registers for their initial library card this month will receive a free BCPL vinyl sticker. 

BCPL will also be making special visits around the community this month. Children’s librarian Libby McWhorter will meet with kindergarten students at local schools to talk to them about how to sign up for their very first library card. Youth Services staff will attend ParentFest at Boyle County schools to sign interested students up for library cards and share information about the library’s online resources. The outreach staff will bring the bookmobile to the local farmer’s market where people can check out available material or sign up for a library card.  

A library card opens a world of infinite possibilities through resources and services that give students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. From STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs, family storytimes and book clubs, to makerspaces and in-person or virtual homework help, libraries transform lives through education.

Libraries offer free and fun educational resources and activities that bring families and communities together. Programs like Family Movie Night, Family Game Night and murder mysteries are multi-generational events that encourage cooperation, problem solving and social interaction. The library also hosts author visits, art exhibits, animal care programs and a variety of classes and clubs to suit patron’s diverse interests.

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.

Library programs serve students of all ages. For younger children, BCPL offers early literacy resources to help them learn to read and encourage school readiness. For school-age kids, the library provides literacy opportunities through book clubs and STEAM programs, as well as a variety of reading formats such as novels, non-fiction, graphic novels and audio books. For teens and older students, it provides access to technology and digital tools, such as public computers, free Wi-Fi, and tutor.com, as well as test prep resources for GED, ACT, SAT, PSAT and AP exams.

This year, Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep and friends are going on an adventure as Honorary Chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month. In their role, they will promote the value of a library card and bring attention to the many ways libraries transform lives and communities.  

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month is held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite 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 library in person or online www.BoylePubLib.org.

Some of the information in this column is from the American Library Association. Find out more about the association at ala.org.