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By Katrina Wilson | Sponsored by Prince William Public Libraries
Prince William Public Libraries will participate in Library Card Sign-Up Month this September, encouraging everyone to sign up for a library card. A library card opens new opportunities to explore, discover and learn year-round.
The American Library Association has held the annual sign-up month since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year. This year, ALA joins Hasbro, Skybound and public libraries nationwide to invite people to roll out with the Transformers.
“Optimus Prime is a special ambassador to promote Library Card Sign-Up Month,” said Rachel Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director for Prince William Public Libraries.
According to Johnson, ALA President Emily Drabinksi said, “Library cards open worlds of opportunity for Autobots and humans alike. Whether or not your favorite genre is science fiction, library cards spark creativity and inspire critical thinking skills.”
Signing Up is Quick and Easy
Children as young as five can get their own PWPL library card. Johnson said having a library card opens a world of adventure, wonder and learning for any age.
“For our younger readers, getting that first library card is often a core memory, and it gives them a sense of responsibility and independence as they check out books on their own and explore topics that interest them,” she said.
Two PWPL Outreach Librarians visit the community in the new Mobile Library.
On top of that, parents and guardians can sign up for a library card in person or online.
For many reasons, offering two ways to sign up for a library card is important.
“Prince William Public Libraries is committed to removing barriers to access, including making it easier for people to sign up for a library card,” Johnson said. “At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, PWPL introduced digital library cards to give residents immediate access to all the Digital Library has to offer from the comfort and safety of home.”
She said people continue to sign up for digital library cards to enjoy the Digital Library, and it is easy to upgrade that card to a physical library card at any of their libraries.
The perfect example of this was recognition they received on X, formerly known as Twitter, recently from one of their patrons:
“I’m in the Foreign Service, serving America overseas. I use my local library [@PrinceWmLibrary] because they let me access e-books from anywhere in the world! They are the best and have kept me well stocked, especially when I’m in countries where books in English are sparse.” – PWPL Patron, August 2024.
Programming Opportunities
Over the years, libraries have evolved from being places solely for physical reading options like books, encyclopedias or computers, to community hubs with welcoming, inviting spaces.
Budding engineers put their minds and creativity to work during a recent Mobile STEM Lab program at Dumfries Library.
PWPL offers programs for all ages, including scavenger hunts, Dungeons & Dragons for young adults and adults, crafting, and more. Patrons can also enjoy special services, like the new makerspaces at Bull Run and Central Libraries, and the Gaming Lounge at Montclair Library.
For people who need a quiet space to study or meet for a group project, they can use their library card to reserve group study rooms at multiple library locations.
And of course, readers may feel there is nothing better than cozying up in a corner to read a digital or physical book in PWPL. Visit pwcva.gov/library to learn more about signing up for a library card, programs during Library Card Sign-Up Month, and other ways a library card can transform their lives.
Katrina Wilson is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.