With the new school year now several weeks old, families continue to gather school supplies so that their children will be prepared to learn. During September, “Library Card Sign-Up Month”, Fontana Regional Library wants to make sure that all area children have the most important learning and school supply of all—a library card.
What is the right age for a child to obtain a library card?
Parents can complete a library card application for any child. Toddlers and preschoolers are thrilled to use their own library card to personally select books.- On each trip to the library, parents should allow their child to check out as many books as possible. Help the child put his selected library books into a special backpack or tote bag. When not being read, the books can be stored there.
- Return to the library regularly, allowing the child to make new reading choices. Don’t forget easy non-fiction books which will help answer a young child’s numerous questions. Toddlers and preschoolers should be exposed to as many books as possible, developing vital early literacy skills, skills which will enable them to learn to read on their own.
- Attend storytime, Summer Reading Program events, or other family library programs. Children who have an early, positive relationship with the library and books will be interested in learning to read by themselves. Since the ability to read and understand what is being read is critical for success in school, children comfortable with books, the library, and reading will likely find learning in school much easier. Young children who frequently visit the library will realize that it is a comfortable, fun place.
- Parents are urged to introduce themselves and their children to the library staff. Let children know that the library staff can help them find books and information.
- Give them the opportunity to explore the library and see all of the exciting things to do there—puzzles, early learning computer games, and other activities. Toddlers and preschoolers comfortable using the library will want to continue library visits once they enter school.
September is also a great time for adults to obtain a library card. The library can assist adults in learning a new language, finding a job, or starting a hobby. Adults can read the latest novels and can catch up with local happenings from a variety of regional newspapers. Important role models for children are adult readers and library users that they see every day. When the entire family carries library cards and visits the library regularly, they soon find that the library becomes the number one place for life long learning, as well as the best location for free or low cost entertainment.
Getting a library card is easy! A Fontana Regional Library borrower’s application is available at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City, as well as FRL libraries in Jackson and Macon counties. The application can also be found on the library’s web site www.fontanalib.org, simply fill out and return to your local library. The FRL library card can be used to check out materials at any member library. Applicants must show an acceptable identification, such as a valid NC Driver’s License. For children under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application and provide acceptable identification. For more details concerning the borrower’s application, see your local FRL library or the library’s web site.
Complete your library card application today!
Help your child open the door to a fun, exciting world of reading and learning. The key to opening that door is a library card, “The Smartest Card”. During September, “Library Card Sign-Up Month”, visit your local library and join two-thirds of all Americans by becoming a library card holder. A world of learning and entertainment awaits you at your library!