Library card is children's ticket to travel
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on September 3, 2004 2:25 PM
A room-full of young children learned about a special card this week that would let them travel anywhere in the world, but it's not a credit card.
It's a library card.
The 15 kids gathered Wednesday at the Wayne County Public Library for the start of Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Goldsboro Mayor Al King spoke to the children from Dillard Charter School, telling them how important it was to have a library card.
"You can do anything, but it's important that you read, read, read," King said.
Libraries throughout North Carolina are promoting signing up for a library card in September to coincide with the beginning of the school year.
A library card is free and it opens up a world of resources and opportunities. "It's a well known fact that children who possess library cards and develop the habit of using their library cards perform better in school," King said.
Even for families who have reference materials at home, the library provides help with in-depth research and professional assistance.
The library is open at night and on weekends, giving students a safe, quiet place to study.
Libraries offer free computer access, which gives students without computers at home the opportunity to do on-line research after school, and trained reference librarians are available to help find information.
National Library Card Sign-Up Month started in 1987 and since then libraries across North Carolina have touted it to the public.
This year the State Library of North Carolina is coordinating the campaign by offering public libraries support and promotional materials to encourage residents to sign up for a library card and find out what's new at their local library.
To sign up for a library card, visit your library with proof of residency and photo identification. At the Wayne County public libraries, children age 13 and up can apply for their own library card with proper identification.