Celebrate September: Library Card Sign-up Month

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with new downloadable tools and public service announcements (PSAs). Sample media tools are available to remind the public of all the resources available for free with a library card. Tools include a sample press release, op-ed, proclamation, PSA scripts and radio quality PSAs. To download free promotional materials, visit www.ala.org/librarycardsignup. Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. Thousands of public and school libraries join together each fall in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for a library card. Also in celebration of Library Card Sign-up Month, a new slideshow featuring “60 Ways to Use Your Library Card” is now available on atyourlibrary.org. Librarians are encouraged to embed the slideshow, which scrolls through examples like “Learn how to write a business plan” and “Get help with homework,” on their own websites or blogs. NBA All- Star Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls is the Honorary Chair of Library Card Sign-up Month. During this month, libraries will encourage the public to obtain a free library card that will save them money. According to a PEW Internet and American Life study, 58 percent of Americans age 16 and older have a library card and even more—69 percent—say the library is important to them and their families. A native of the Sudan, Deng has won the NBA’s sportsmanship award for the player who best exemplifies ethical behavior, fair play and integrity on the court. In 2008, Deng was honored with the UN Refugee Agency’s Humanitarian of the Year Award for his efforts to bring education and sports to millions of displaced children. Librarians looking to promote Library Card Sign-up Month locally can download a public service announcement (PSA) featuring Deng at www.ala.org/librarycardsignup. Free customization is available. The Campaign for America’s is Libraries is the ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe – use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible in part by ALA’s Library Champions.