Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school. September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when Fontana Regional Library joins with the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to make sure that every student has the most import school supply of all – a free library card.
Resources at Fontana Regional Libraries are available to anyone who has a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and knowledgeable library staff that support academic achievement.
For example, Macon County Public Library’s preschool storytimes focus on pre-literacy skills in a fun way to inspire a lifelong love of reading. Adventure Club (for grades kindergarten – second grade) focuses on developing early literacy skills and hands-on learning. The library’s book club (for grades third – sixth) explores literature more in depth and incorporates creative writing. Finally, the library’s science club (grades kindergarten – sixth grade) connects books with fun experiments and hands-on learning.
Today’s libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where students can collaborate using new technologies or just relax with peers. Our library offers access to a variety of print and digital resources, including e-books, homework help, and journals, magazines, and newspapers on www.nclive.org, that can be accessed in person or online at home.
“Our library provides access and programs for students of all ages,” says Cristen Dando, youth services supervisor for Macon County Public Library. “For younger children we offer a variety of early literacy storytimes, such as bilingual storytime, sing and sign storytime, and family storytime to encourage school readiness. For older children and teens we supplement education with hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM ) programs and innovative makerspaces, such as Lego Club. For older teens we have information and tools to help prepare for college, as well as a Teen Advisory Group (TAG). TAG is designed to energize teen programming and services as well as allow teens a greater voice at the library. There’s really something for everyone and it’s all free with a library card.”
Throughout the course of the month, Macon County Public Library will host a number of activities, including several fun contests in the children’s area. The library will have a "Guess How Many Legos I Hold?" guessing game. The child that comes closest to the correct number will win the Legos. Also, every child that shows a staff member in the children’s area their library card can enter a drawing to win a free book! And finally, every child that signs up for a library card this month can come to the children's area and get a prize.
Visit our event calendar for a full listing of children's events. For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit the Macon County Public Library at 149 Siler Farm Rd in Franklin, call us at (828) 524-3600, or visit your local library!
The Macon County Public Library in Franklin is a member of Fontana Regional Library.