September is Library Card Sign-up Month (LCSUM)—an annual reminder that library cards empower individuals and communities by providing access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programming.
If you love libraries — and the access they provide to rich and diverse worlds — we invite you to join the festivities and help spread the word about the value of a library card. Here are a few ways you can participate:
Use Your Powers of Persuasion to Encourage Others to Get Library Cards
You have a library card, of course. But does your best friend? Neighbor? Cousin? Secret crush? There’s no time like to present to persuade those people in your life to register for a library card. Remind them that signing up for a library card is free and easy, and that libraries are still better than the internet.
Spread the Message on Social Media
Libraries and their supporters are using the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUpMonth and #LibrariesEmpower on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to help get the word out about the value of a library card. The Library Card Sign-up Month website has tons of sample social media posts and amazing graphics featuring LCSUM Honorary Chair Marley Dias for free download.
Tell Us How Your Library Card Empowers You
The American Library Association is encouraging everyone to help spread some library love by posting to social media about how the library empowers you and your communities. Here's how it works: Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #LibrariesEmpower. Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Don't forget to tag your library! The creator of one randomly-selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift and an ALA Graphics The Child Poster. Additionally, three second-place winners will receive an ALA Graphics The Child Poster. Official rules are available on the Library Card Sign-up Month page.
Show Off a Library-Themed Yard Sign
Let your neighbors know you’re a proud library card holder with these awesome yard signs from the American Library Association. Pick your favorite sign—options include “library card holders live here” and “in this house, we support libraries”—or design your own, then print and display to jazz up your yard.
Follow the Creators Get Carded series on Social Media
Comic creators are getting into the act this month to help spread the word about the importance of having a library card. Each day in September, at least one new creator will pose on social media with their library card. Search the hashtag #CreatorsGetCarded and follow @libcomix on Twitter and Instagram to see your comics creators like A.C. Esguerra (Eighty Days), George O'Connor (Olympians), Jennifer L. Holm (Turtle in Paradise), BonHyung Jeong (Kyle’s Little Sister), Robin Ha (Almost American Girl), David A. Robertson (Breakdown: The Reckoner Rises), MK Czerwiec (Taking Turns: Stories from HIV/AIDS Care Unit 371), Varian Johnson (Twins), and many more.
Visit the Library Card Sign-up Month website for more ways to celebrate.
