With school now in session across the country, most of the school supply shopping is done. But there’s one very important school supply that costs nothing but can be invaluable – a library card. Does your children have their own library card? If not, now is the perfect time to get them one!<\/p>\n

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, and the American Library Association has secured a pretty cool Honorary Chair to spread the word – Snoopy! He’s not just the Flying Ace, he’s also the Literary Ace.<\/a><\/p>\n

A lot of teachers ask kids to do free reading time as part of their homework, and the library and the children’s librarians can be such a great resources for finding wonderful books. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school.<\/p>\n

Speaking of homework, the library can be a great place to get homework help generally, and some have more specific programs geared to what’s going on at school. I love that ours also offers science fair help. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs, and knowledgeable library staff that support academic achievement.<\/p>\n

Even if your child isn’t in school yet, chances are your library has a great storytime and other activities to introduce little ones to the librarian and start fostering a life-long love of books and libraries. I found a trip to library was a great way to find something new when I felt like I couldn’t read the same book for the 15th million time.<\/p>\n

I’m sure you know that the library goes well beyond books, and is a great resource for DVDs, music, and technology.<\/p>\n

A few ways that we’ve enjoyed our library recently:<\/p>\n

\n
• Downloading “Cheerleader” and other popular songs my daughter loves for free.<\/li>\n
• Checking out (both literally and figuratively) the “Magic Mike” DVD a while back. Yup, I did. And I’m not ashamed. Well, maybe a little ashamed, but I saw it on the “hot new titles” shelf and thought it was too appropriate, and it’s such a fun story to say I picked it up at the library!<\/li>\n
• Attending a movie making class. Sadly, it was for teens, but my daughter and her friend had a great time and shared their wisdom (and info sheets) with me.<\/li>\n
• Laughing at an improv class. Again, for teens (can you tell my librarian’s teen department rocks?) but the small part I got to see was great. (Random note: My daughter loved it so much, we enrolled her in an improv camp for one week over the summer, and it was a total bust. The library program made her far happier. You do not always get what you pay for, especially when it comes to the library.)<\/li>\n
• Books. Yep, I’m old school and still check out books from the library.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  So, round up the children and head to the library to get carded.<\/p>\n

  You May Also Like: <\/strong>9 Fun facts about public libraries<\/a><\/p>\n

  Prior Post: <\/strong>What kids want in books, and how to help them pick great ones<\/a><\/p>\n

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