News Report #2

Megan Beverly
LIB 103
9/22/09
News Report 2

“Nation’s libraries to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month”
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/august2009/lcsumstories_pio.cfm
8/25/09

In the month of September, libraries throughout the country and the American Library Association celebrate “Library Card Sign-Up month”. This is to encourage parents to remember that a library card is just as important as any other school supply that a child may need. This library card sign-up month was started in 1987, and since then the efforts to remind parents the necessity of a library card has grown greater and greater.
Libraries have started many efforts to get the word out that it is card-sign up month. Some of the ways are radio announcements, and entering people who sign up for cards in drawings to win prizes. Also many businesses have partnered with libraries, including restaurants and bowling allies that will give customers’ discounts if they show that they have a library card. Many schools are also taking time to remind parents of the necessity of a library card for students. Even Remax offers a $500 dollars off of closing costs in real estate. So, many people outside of the libraries within the community are showing they believe in the importance of libraries and having a library card.
I think that this “library card sign-up month” is a great idea. Many times, people take libraries for granted because it is always there. But, a library card for a child or adult is very important to have, because many of the resources are only found there. Also, I think that libraries and the ALA partnering with community businesses and schools is a great idea. It shows people that others, not only library employees and educators think that library cards are important for children to have. I think that this should be done more than one month out of the year, maybe they could do it two or three times a year to increase awareness. But, all in all I think that this card sign-up month is a great idea.