Happy Library Card Sign-up Month!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month. I learned about it through atyourlibrary.org (a program of the American Library Association) and thought, “Hey, this is a great way to promote libraries.” I have always been open with my positive experience with libraries, both school and public, although, in my place, the sight of both differs. My school library was clean, spacious, filled neatly with books, and its inventory regularly updated. The public library, on the other hand, which is a stone throw away from my school in my younger days, was found in a basement, dusty, and musty, with books as old as my grandfather. Still, both are sights to behold!

The library nurtured my love for reading. I first shared my library experience in this post for the 2nd Filipino ReaderCon’s Filipino Friday. I shared there how I would consume two or three library cards every school year, making me one of the school library’s most valuable customers. I hope you could go over there and share with me your library experience.

I encourage parents and teachers to motivate their children and students to sign up for a library card because the benefits are tremendous. I enjoyed how the American Library Association presented these benefits, ranging from opportunities to research your family tree to beginning your own book. Check out the slideshow. 

Now that I’m back to school pursuing postgraduate studies, naturally, I signed up for a library card, borrowing literature books every week. The school library has gone digital, which means my library card is my school ID, my library registration is by way of their digital records, and borrowing books could be manually done through a scanner without any assistance from the librarian or working student. I’m not so sure if that’s a good thing. I mean, sure, I admire how technology cuts down the working time and process, making it convenient for the library staff and the borrowers. But the interaction between the borrower and the librarian is also compromised.

Anyway, here I am, shouting my cheers to all libraries around the world! May you continue what you do and create impact to more and more people!

Happy Library Card Sign-up Month!


- Nancy -