National Library Card Sign-Up Month is held in September! Libraries all across the nation have been celebrating this event since 1987. It began as a response to William Bennett, Secretary of Education in 1987, who said “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.” Ever since then, libraries have held library card drives and campaigns during the month of September. Some libraries get really creative in their marketing and incentives to help drive interest.

 

There are so many reasons why you should consider getting a card at your local library. Libraries provide access to just about any information you could need, they provide books for both leisure and research, there are typically several programs and events available each week, they can help you with computer and other technology issues, they usually provide a plethora of electronic resources and databases, they provide a nice place to come in and relax, but most importantly, everything is FREE! All you have to do is come in and sign up for a card.

In celebration of this Library Card Sign-Up Month, the Bridgeport Public Library is holding a special campaign. Every new patron who signs up for a library card from September 1^st through September 30^th will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Cinemark Movie Theater gift card!

 

All ages are eligible to win this prize, but only one patron will win. We are also doing something special for our current cardholders as well. Current cardholders are encouraged to “refer a friend” to sign up for a library card to earn a voucher for the Library Book Sale. This voucher is good for one free bag of books. New card applicants may write the name of the person who referred them on their library card application and a library staff member will call them and let them know they’ve earned a Book Sale voucher.

 

If you don’t already have a library card, please stop in and get one during the month of September to take advantage of our raffle. If you already have a library card, don’t forget to refer a friend!