September is back to school time and one of the most important school supplies item on my grandson’s list is a library card! September is Library Card Sign-up Month—a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind everyone that a library card is the key to limitless opportunities and endless imagination.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. It is a time when libraries across the country remind parents and children that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Did you know … ?
58% of adults in the U.S. have public library cards
The 2011-2012 ALA Libraries Connect Communities study reported that 76.3% of libraries reported offering e-books, an increase of 9% from 2010-2011
Americans check out more than eight books a year, on average
Almost 89% of public libraries now offer wireless Internet access and more than 92% provide services for job seekers
This year’s Honorary Chair of Library Card Sign-up Month is Snoopy!
– Diane Kaiser, JETPUBS Inc.