While out shopping for back-to-school supplies be sure to stop by your local public library to get your child a library card if he or she doesn't already have one. (Many libraries do not have age limits so don't wait until your child is old enough for school to get one.)
Your library card entitles you to do much more than check out books, movies and music. It gives you access to information online in areas such as business, health, current events and genealogy. Students can do research for reports from home finding full text magazine articles and other information online. Need help with your search? Call your library's reference department. It's two a.m.? Many states offer 24/7 online reference help. Looking for a good novel to read? There's an online resource to help you find one. You can also check your library's catalog from home to see if they have the book and if it's available. If your library doesn't have it, in most cases your library can get it from another library. Just because your local library is small, don't assume it can't help you. Your library may refer your request to a larger library.
Libraries are becoming community centers offering not just traditional preschool story times and summer reading programs but also programs for babies, teens and grown-ups as well. Many libraries have computer labs and offer computer classes. Each library is as unique as the community it serves so be sure to see what your library has to offer. You may discover that you library is a great place for families to have fun!
