Five Reasons Why Your Child Should Have a Library Card

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. The American Library Association and libraries across the country are participating in the effort to encourage everyone to sign up for a library card. As a child, the library was one of my favorite places, and I still remember the excitement when I got my first library card. Having a library card is like having a free ticket for adventure, lifelong learning, and unique experiences. Here are five reasons your kids should sign up to have their own library card!

1. Having a library card gives a child a sense of belonging to the library.

It gives them a feeling of connection to the library and unlimited access to the knowledge within the walls. Libraries are an essential part of the community, and having a card may help a child feel like part of the community.

2. With a library card, a child will have access to the computers at the library and free wi-fi connection they may need for homework assignments.

Tulsa City-County Libraries now provide free wi-fi 24 hours a day in the library parking lot, a vitally important service for kids who lack access at home.

3. Having a card and visiting the library often increases the opportunity to learn to read.

Libraries offer programs to build literacy, beginning with storytimes for babies and continuing through adult literacy programs. Illiteracy is a growing crisis, with 32 million adults in the United States unable to read. Libraries are essential warriors in the fight against illiteracy.

4. Children with a library card are more likely to see the library as a positive place and form a relationship with the librarians that allows them to feel comfortable asking for assistance with information.

For example, I’ve been taking my grandkids to the same library since they were born, so my five-year-old grandson feels comfortable asking the librarian for what book he wants. He’s learned the librarian is a person who is knowledgeable, kind, and helpful.

My grandson (a few years ago) with his favorite librarian, Miss Joy at Schusterman-Benson Library.

5. Having a library card adds to the enthusiasm a child feels for the library.

It’s almost like being a part of a club. One of my favorite parts of being a grandparent has been introducing my grandchildren to my love of the library. When we walk in, my grandson excitedly runs to his favorite section and says, “Today I want to read all about tornadoes and earthquakes,” or whatever his interest du jour is. The library has become one of Callister’s happy places, and that makes my grandmother heart full!

I still have my first library card. It was well-loved and used often!

Some of my best childhood memories revolve around books, the library, and the bookmobile. Reading was a hobby, an escape, and a way for me to experience other places and imagine other lives. As a child, I marveled at the fact the librarians would trust me to borrow books, as many as I could put in my bicycle basket, and ride away with them. As an adult, I am still amazed I can go to my library and borrow books, use the computer, attend special events, and take classes all for the price (free) of a library card.

Libraries are one of the greatest resources our city has to offer. Click here to see the Tulsa City-County Library programs and services. You will be amazed at the opportunities available! If you’re ready to get yourself and/or your child a library card, just stop by any library or click here to sign up online. Did I mention it’s free?! You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain by signing up for a card during September, the National Library Card sign-up month!

They’re never too young to love the library!