Central Alabama libraries celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — According to the American Library Association, Library Card Sign-Up Month has been recognized each September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year.

“From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available,” the ALA website says.

Montevallo’s Parnell Memorial Library hosted a Transformers-themed party on Sept. 5 to encourage visitors to sign up for a library card. They also hosted a sign-up booth at Montevallo’s Tinglewood Festival where visitors could learn more about the benefits of having a library card.

“We have lots of free resources, we have lots of free books you can check out, we have DVDs, we have games,” said Parnell Memorial Library Director Marissa Wilson. “We have the Libby app, which is like an online library, and we have Hoopla, where you can get audiobooks and movies. Different library branches have different services.”

The Parnell Memorial Library also offers multiple programs for all ages to participate in.

“We do Family Fun Night every month, we have book clubs, we have preschool programs, starting next month we’re going to start senior citizen activities,” Wilson said.

The Parnell Memorial Library is not the only local library promoting Library Card Sign-Up Month.

In conjunction with Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Homewood Public Library is offering an event called Food for Fines. During September, patrons can donate canned goods to get up to $10 in library fines waived.

“This is a great way to not only give back to the community, but to get people back into the library,” said Homewood Public Library director Judith Wright.

The Homewood Public Library offers a variety of resources to its patrons.

“We developed last year a collection called the Library of Things. This is really neat, because it is anything that you could think of that you might have to buy at some point in your life, but then you might never use, because you were just trying it out, like a sewing machine or pressure washers,” Wright said. “We also have musical instruments, including violins, cello, guitars, so many things, and all of that is free to check out with your library card.

Wright also explained that with a Jefferson County Public Library card, patrons can get access to resources from 40 different libraries across the county.

“Libraries are one of the last places in society where you can go with no expectation to spend money. Whether that’s coming in for a book club, using our Wi-Fi, borrowing a study room. There’s just something for everyone. It’s part of our community,” Wright said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.