This September the Jackson-Madison County Library is joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to remind parents, caregivers and students that a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.

A library card opens a world of infinite possibilities through resources and services that give students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. From STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs, pre-school storytimes and summer reading programs, to makerspaces and computer labs, libraries transform lives through education.

Libraries offer free and fun educational resources and activities that bring families and communities together. Resources at the Jackson-Madison County Library are available to anyone with a library card and not only include access to thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks, but ebooks, emagazines, online language lessons, online test preparation, online reference databases and even online music instruction.

Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

“Our library programs serve students of all ages,” says Dinah Harris, library director. “For younger children, we offer early literacy resources to help them learn to read and encourage school readiness, and for teens and older students, we provide access to technology and digital tools.”

During September, the library will host a special Library Card Sign-Up Event at 5 pm at the Main Library on Tues., Sept. 3. Presented by the Library, Councilman Ernest Brooks, the Butterflies and Bookworms Book Club, the Books and Bow Ties Book Club and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the event will include activities for children as well as refreshments. Any child who signs up for a library card throughout the month of September will be entered to win one of several Kindle Fire tablets.

“I am proud to partner with the library to promote this event,” said Councilman Brooks. “Reading is the most important skill a child needs to succeed at life. Parents and caregivers can make an immediate and positive impact on their children by making sure they have a library card and setting aside time for reading every day.”

In addition to the Library Card Sign Up Event, the library will offer Food for Fines and Fine Free from Sept. 3 through 14. Any materials that are long overdue can be returned without incurring fines, and patrons may pay off their existing fines by bringing in non-perishable food items, with each item donated taking $1 off the fine balance. This does not apply to fees for lost or damaged items.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.

Library cards are free to patrons who live, work, go to school or own property in Madison County. Adults must apply in person with a photo ID and proof of current address. Children under 17 years of age must be present and accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who must present ID and proof of residence. Students enrolled in Jackson-Madison County Schools can request a library card form from their school librarian. Once signed by a parent or guardian, the library will deliver the card to the student's school.

The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, visit the Library's Facebook page or its website.