September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month!
By Analise Spiess
An estimated 2/3 of Americans have a library card; help us celebrate by picking up your own FREE card from the Williamson County Public Library!
Did you know that library cards have not always been in existence? In fact, the earliest libraries did not allow patrons to take books home at all. It was only after the creation of publicly funded libraries in the 19th century that it became necessary to loan out books. Librarians first kept ledgers to record dates and borrowed books, but this was a difficult and long process. Slowly, it transitioned to patrons having “borrowing cards” and the books being stamped by librarians upon check-out. This system remained popular until the arrival of the modern computer system.
In 1987, the National Library Sign-Up Month was created by then Secretary of Education, William Bennett, stating the need for more children to “obtain a library card and use it.” However, everyone can benefit from using the library, as it is so much more than a place to gain proficiency in literacy.
Here are the benefits of a Williamson County Library Card:
- Free movies on hoopla!
- Free access to the Reference USA research database!
- Free DVDs!
- Free online language program, Transparent Languages, including American Sign Language!
- Free computer and internet access!
- Free library computer software, such as Microsoft Productivity with Word, Excel, and Power Point!
- Free scanner!
- Free electronic books and electronic audio books from TN READS!
- Free library Wifi for your devices!
- Free graphic novels and manga for all ages in print and online via hoopla!
- Free inter-library loan, getting a book, DVD, or audio book from another library if it isn’t here!
Not to overstate it, but the best part is that library cards are absolutely free for any resident of Williamson County, and all an adult would need is a driver’s license, identification card, or utility bill to verify their current residency. Parents and guardians can also get library cards for their children between the ages of 4-17.
What are you waiting for?
Helpful Sites:
History of Library Cards: https://libguides.ala.org/librarycards/history
Get a Library Card Account: https://www.wcpltn.org/438/Get-a-Library-Card-Account
E-Library Resources: https://www.wcpltn.org/232/eLibrary-Books-and-More
More Reasons to Love the Library: https://ilovelibraries.org/article/5-reasons-everyone-should-have-library-card/