Jackson-Madison County Library to Host Annual Library Card Sign-Up Event
Jackson-Madison County Library to Host Annual Library Card Sign-Up Event
A library card provides endless opportunities to transform the school year
JACKSON, Tenn. – As students begin the school year, there is one
essential school supply that requires no shopping and doesn’t cost a
penny – it’s a library card.
This September, the Jackson-Madison County Library is joining with the
American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for
Library Card Sign-up Month, to encourage parents, caregivers and
students to obtain a free library card that will save them money while
reaping rewards in academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Whether it’s providing free access to STEM (science, technology,
engineering and mathematics) programs, educational apps or in-person
and virtual homework help, a library card is one of the most cost
effective back-to-school supplies. Resources at the Jackson-Madison
County Library are available to anyone with a library card and not
only include access to thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks,
but ebooks, emagazines, online language lessons, online test
preparation, online reference databases and even online music
instruction.
Libraries play an important role in the education and development of
children. Studies show children who are read to in the home and who
use the library perform better in school and are more likely to
continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.
“Throughout the school year, our library offers a variety of programs
to stimulate an interest in reading and learning,” said Dinah Harris,
library director. “Storytime exposes young children to the joy of
reading and encourage school readiness, while older children have
access to technology and digital tools such as the Tennessee
Electronic Library, the online Testing, Education and Reference
Center, Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. ebook and e-audiobook collection,
Transparent Language Online, ArtistWorks and the help from library
staff to use those resources.”
This year, Disney’s the Incredibles are Library Card Sign-up Month
honorary chairs, helping to promote the value of a library card and
bring attention to the many ways libraries and librarians transform
lives and communities through education. During September, the library
will host a special Library Card Sign-Up Event at 5 pm at the Main
Library on Tues., Sept. 4. Presented by the Library, Councilman Ernest
Brooks, the Butterflies and Bookworms Book Club and Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc., the event will include activities for children as
well as refreshments. Local author, James Cherry, will encourage
parents to instill a love of reading during a brief presentation at
5:30 pm. Any child who signs up for a library card throughout the
month of September will be entered to win one of five Kindle Fire
tablets.
“I am proud to partner with the library to promote this event. Studies
show that children who are read to at home and who use the library
perform better in school,” said Councilman Brooks.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to
mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and
libraries unite together in a national effort to ensure every child
signs up for their own library card.
Library cards are free to patrons who live, work, go to school or own
property in Madison County. Adults must apply in person with a photo
ID and proof of current address. Children under 17 years of age must
be present and accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian
who must present ID and proof of residence.
The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St.
in downtown Jackson. For more information, visit the Library’s
Facebook page at Facebook.com/JMCLibrary or its website at
www.jmclibrary.org.