September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources, and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.
At the Abilene Public Library, patrons of all ages can find a variety of educational resources and activities both in-house through great library programming, at home through offering books, kits, and special collections to enhance learning, and digital resources including Learning Express Library, Universal Class, the Virtual Classroom, and much more.
This year, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel, and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, will serve as honorary chairs of this national initiative. Idina and Cara are excited to remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. During Library card Sign-Up Month, they want us to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming.
Your Abilene Public Library, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving community needs. To sign up for a library card, or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit us online at www.abilenetx.gov/apl or feel free to stop by any of our three convenient locations. There’s so much to take advantage of at your local library…discover it for yourselves.