By Michelle Waltos
Librarian
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) is joining forces with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to remind everyone to get their free library card.
Libraries aren’t just quiet places to study and do research; they’re also creative and engaging community centers where students can collaborate, use computers and other technology or just relax with peers.
Getting a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. Whether it’s homework help, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs or family story times and game nights, a library card is a ticket to an abundance of educational resources and activities for students and their families.
In addition to standard print resources, NOPL also offers a variety of digital resources which can be accessed online: build subject-area skills, take practice exams, do research, read e-books, download music, borrow magazines, stream movies and more.
To make the library even more accessible and user-friendly, NOPL announced in 2015 that it would no longer charge overdue fines on children’s and teens’ books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs. This makes borrowing these items more convenient than ever for children, teens, parents and teachers alike.
Anyone who lives, attends school, or pays property taxes in Onondaga County is eligible for a free NOPL library card. For Onondaga County residents, there is no age restriction for a card and all that is needed to apply is identification showing your home address.
For more information on how to sign up for a library card or to start your application online, visit nopl.org/librarycard.
