BY KELLY LINDSAY | Cumberland County Public Library
September is Library Card Signup Month, and if you have a library card you are in the majority of Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, 61% of Americans 16 and older have a library card.
That’s an impressive number, but we library workers are overachievers. We want it to be 100%.
If you don’t already have a card, let me give you five reasons you need one:
- Library cards open a window to the world. With your card, you and your family have access to hundreds of thousands of wonderful books that are sure to inspire, entertain and inform. You can also check out books and materials from over 60 other library systems throughout the state.
- In addition to books and other physical materials, your card gives you access to dozens of online databases and resources. Popular databases include Chilton Library for auto repair and maintenance and Brainfuse for resume assistance, test preparation and free live online tutoring.
- You don’t need a library card to attend one of our programs, but it doesn’t hurt. We offer programs for all ages. Come to the library and attend an author talk or story time, learn a new skill, make a cool craft, connect with other readers at a book club, polish up your resume and so much more. Check out the calendar of events at cumberlandcountync.gov/library. Did I mention it’s all free?
- With your library card, you can listen to three hours of streaming music on the Freegal app every day; you can even download three songs per week. Download the app, create your own playlists and take your music with you everywhere.
- Speaking of digital downloads, you can access thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks with your library card, too. Download the Libby app, log in with your library card number and PIN and listen to audiobooks on your commute or have e-books delivered right to your e-reader.
It only takes a few minutes to get a card. Just drop by any of the eight Cumberland County Public Library locations with your photo ID and proof of address. Cards are free for Cumberland County residents.
If you lost your card, you can get a free replacement.
Help us get to 100% and get yourself access to everything listed here and so much more. Call 910-483-7727 or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/library to learn more.
Kelly Lindsay is branch manager of the Bordeaux Community Branch Library.
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