It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month (LCSUM)! Held each September, LCSUM is an annual reminder that library cards empower individuals and communities by providing free access to technology, multimedia content, educational programming, and much more. A library card opens up a world of learning for everyone and is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.
“During economic shifts, libraries help to foster resilience in the community by providing resources to support patrons in their creative and entrepreneurial endeavors,” says American Library Association (ALA) President Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada. “A library card offers a wide range of opportunities for the community to find its voice and passion. I encourage everyone to up for a card at your local library and explore the resources and services that are available.”
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:
Encourage others to get a library card
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.
Show off your library card
Share a photo of yourself with your library card using the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded for a chance to win $100!
Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded. Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Be sure not to reveal any personal information on your library card, and don't forget to tag your library! The creator of one randomly selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift card and a poster of choice from ALA Graphics. Three second-place winners will receive their poster of choice from ALA Graphics.
The #GetLibraryCarded promotion begins Thursday, September 1, at noon CT and ends Friday, September 23, at noon CT. All library lovers and librarians are encouraged to participate. The promotion is open to residents of the United States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. ALA employees are not eligible to participate. Find the official rules at the LCSUM website.
Spread the word on social media
Libraries and library supporters are using the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUpMonth 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 graphics for free download featuring this year's LCSUM Honorary Chairs, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel!
Display a library-themed yard sign
Let your neighbors know you’re a proud library card holder with these awesome yard signs from ALA. 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.
Visit the Library Card Sign-Up Month website for more ways to celebrate!
