There is no problem that a library card can’t solve…

There is no problem that a library card can’t solve. -Eleanor Brown

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month.  If you don’t have a public library card, you should.  There are SO many FREE services that your local public library provides.  Some of the services I have encountered at public libraries are:

• Computers for Internet use
• Items you can borrow such as:  museum passes, state park passes, sewing machines, games, iPads, and seeds to plant for gardening.
• Storytime
• Tech support
• Makerspaces that include sewing machines, Cricuts, 3-D printers, and painting supplies.
• Programming for adults, young adults, kids, babies, seniors, and everyone in-between!
• Clubs
• Special events such as Summer Reading Kickoff and Halloween Costume Contests/Storytime, Easter Egg Hunts in the library.

I was in Charleston a couple of weeks ago and my sweet mother-in-law commented that she had not been to the new public library near her home.  We went there on a Saturday afternoon to find a building buzzing with activity.  They had a lot of great ideas that I, as a librarian, would like to borrow for my own school library.

While I was there, my daughter did a fun scavenger hunt that involved her finding letters all around the library in order to decode a “secret” message.  This scavenger hunt took you all over the library to give you a mini-tour.  She was delighted to receive a piece of candy as her prize for completing the scavenger hunt.

The Young Adult room had an impressive display of manga and other popular YA literature.  They also had a gaming console, complete with a tv and fun gaming chairs.  I liked the dry erase board outside of this room.  They put questions on it and kids can write their answer.  The question of the week was, “What’s the name of your favorite band/musical group?”  There was also a fun display of quotes entitled “Who Said It, Tupac or Shakespeare?”  This was a great guessing game for teens!

The children’s area had a puppet show stage set up in one corner and a neat couple of chairs that were nestled between the shelves of books.  These chairs were comfy and well-built.  There was a STEM gym kids could use to make small makerspace projects that reinforced science, technology, and math.  The children’s librarian was also conducting a craft activity in which my daughter was able to paint her own keychain.

My mother-in-law checked out a book and when we got back to her house, I showed her how to download Hoopla to watch free tv shows and movies on her Roku.  She was delighted to have access to these awesome services.

So, if you don’t have a library card, GO GET ONE!  Spend a little time in your local public library.  Ask the librarian what services they offer.  There really is something for everyone at the library!