Yes, a library card is the coolest card in your wallet. A card that can open up doors and opportunities. A card that can deliver resources to your door and strengthen our community. A card that can give you tools to get informed, programs to be inspired, and services to illuminate your mind.
According to an article in the Smithsonian Magazine in response to the release of the 2016 Pew Research report for public libraries, “It might be 2016, but brick-and-mortar libraries continue to play a vital role in American communities, according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center. More and more, however, people are engaging with libraries in new, modern ways. The Pew survey found that libraries have become important community tech hubs in recent years, particularly for young, black, and low-income communities. The public institutions provide important access to computers, the internet, and public Wi-Fi networks, surveyors reported. Often, patrons use these resources to do research for school or work, and to check email, according to the data.” Read more.
Celebrate National Library Card Month at BCLS
New to the library and need a card? Why wait? BCLS is now offering a FREE 30 day trial of our digital library with our new e-library card.
The Berkeley County Library System offers amazing programs and events all year for all ages groups at their 6 library branches and works with several communities to bring events and resources outside of the library. Take a sneak peak at some of the amazing programs and community events for September.
Storytime at all our branches is offered weekly. Come listen to your favorite stories and shake out your sillies with fun dancing and singing.
LEGOs in the Library is a fun family time to unplug, imagine, and create new adventures with Legos provided by the library.
The Hangout for teens is a fun, safe place for teens to come and chill with friends while crafting, gaming, building, and creating.
Family crafting programs such as the Kraft Kamp at St. Stephen Library and the Altered Materials Crafting workshop at Hanahan Library bring out your creative side and provide an entertaining activity the whole family can enjoy. Click here to see all the Family Programs.
Free family movies at your library, a new Throwback Thursday film series, and the Moncks Corner Flicks at 2 let you screen a free movie with free popcorn and concessions – did we mention it is free?!
NEW Movies Under the Stars events shows the latest hits on a huge screen in communities all over the county.
Plus BCLS offers tons of clubs, classes, and more for adults.
A library card provides endless opportunities for family engagement
CHICAGO – September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when the nation’s public libraries highlight the value of a library card. As children head back to school, family time is often hindered by homework and afterschool and social activities.
A public library card is your ticket to free educational resources and activities that bring families together. Libraries not only provide resources to parents and children that support early literacy and lifelong learning, but truly transform how families spend time together.
Card holders have free access to a family destination that provides a spectrum of free services, including digital workshops for all-ages; STEAM programs/activities; mother-daughter book clubs; family storytimes; and game nights.
Families are integral to a child’s development, as shown by data collected by the Harvard Family Research Project and the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), for its report, “Public Libraries: A Vital Space for Family Engagement.”
The report highlights the importance of libraries, with their rich digital environment and hands-on resources, and skilled librarians in helping parents to guide their children’s learning. Libraries are spaces, it notes, that embrace the entire family across every generation and offer constructive outlets for family engagement, including makerspaces, water-wise gardening, STEAM activities and writing clubs.
Libraries throughout the country are bringing families together for both learning and quality personal time. They are serving a crucial need especially in areas with immigrant populations with low-incomes. This year’s Library Card Sign-Up Month Honorary Chair is Snoopy, the world-famous beagle featured in the Peanuts comic strip, calling attention to the supportive role libraries and library professionals play in the education, academic achievement and development of children.
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 the ALA and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.
