September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held at libraries around the country each September to mark the beginning of the school year and to ensure that every patron who wants a library card knows how easy it is to get one, and how much their local library has to offer.

 

Every September, libraries work to let their communities know they offer much more than just books. The Bridgeport Public Library, for example, offers unique items for check-out including hobby kits, STEM kits, puzzles, DVDs, video games, board games, music CDs, and more! In addition to our circulating materials, we strive to offer a plethora of programs and events that appeal to all ages, services such as notary, printing, scanning, faxing, and public computer access, and free access to over 40 electronic databases and resources.

 

To celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this year, the library has created a new Beanstack Challenge, which started September 1^st. It is called Get Out & Use Your Library! Whether you've had your library card for decades or you just signed up today, you have a chance to participate and receive a reusable 20 oz. water bottle and 3-5 bookish stickers as a prize just for using our library! All you need to do is register for the challenge by visiting bplwv.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack Tracker mobile app. This challenge is a Library Bingo game!

 

You will have a Bingo card with different activities that include reading a book, taking seeds from our Seed Library, attending a program or event, referring a friend to sign up for a library card, requesting a Browse Bag, and more! There are 16 activities in total. Each activity completed earns you a badge. Once you complete a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row, you get a Bingo and earn your pick of 3-5 stickers. Once you complete ALL of the activities, you win your reusable water bottle! This challenge is perfect for all ages.

 

This challenge will run the entire month of September and is for all ages. All prizes will be available at the front desk. Remember, signing up for a library card is free and only takes about five minutes. There is no age requirement to have a library card, though minor cards must have a responsible adult party attached to their account. All you need is a West Virginia ID. We hope to see you in to visit us soon!