Save Money and Gas by Using Your Library Card!

Now that the needed school supplies are purchased and all the forms filled out, take some time to visit your local library to make sure each family member has an up-to-date library card.

Save money and gas by using all of your library's resources - your library card gives you access to many online resources that you can use at home. In some states libraries have online help 24/7 so you can still ask a librarian a question even if your local library isn't open. (This may help when there is a homework crisis Sunday evening at 8 pm.)

You can browse your library's collection without leaving home by searching the library's catalog online. If you find something you want, you can usually call ahead and ask to have it set aside for you.

Many parents are reluctant to have their children use the library because of late fees. While they are usually small amounts per item, they can mount up when a child has several items checked out. Parents can avoid late fees by extending the borrowing time online. (That is, only if someone else isn't waiting for it.) Parents can keep track of what each child has and when it is due back by checking online at any time.

In tough economic times families have to be careful about expenses. It is very important for children to have some books of their own. Be selective about purchasing new books and borrow books from the library as well. Also, used books are cheap and many libraries have used book sales. For example, preschoolers love to have someone read to them, usually several books at a time. The library can provide a wide variety of titles for preschool children. Often a child will ask for the same book over and over. Parents should consider purchasing such a book for their child. It does not have to be a brand new hardcover book. Many picture books are also available in paperback or can be purchased used.

Also, save some money by taking advantage of the free programs your library has to offer. Many libraries have book discussion groups for adults as well as children. Most libraries provide something for everyone - from infants to senior citizens. Visit your library's web site to see what it has to offer.

Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month (as well as Fall Hat Month, National Coupon Month, Shameless Promotion Month, and many more).

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!