Since 1987, Library Card Sign-Up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs-up for their own library card.
Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.
To learn about MPHPL card options visit mphpl.org/apply-for-a-card/.
Library Card Sign-Up Month 2022 Honorary Chairs Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel
Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, (yes, they spell their last names differently), have been named honorary chairs of this year’s Library Card Sign-Up Month.
This September, Idina and Cara join the American Library Association (ALA), MPHPL and libraries nationwide to sing the praises of a library card. The sisters’ debut picture book, Loud Mouse, about a little mouse named Dee who loves to sing very loudly, will be released Sept. 27 by Disney Hyperion.
As honorary chairs, Idina and Cara will remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. And during Library Card Sign-Up Month, they want you to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming. “It’s a little card that goes a loud way. Let your imagination sing at the library,” says Idina. Cara adds, “The library is where your imagination sings. Get your library card and ‘check it out’ today.”
Library Card Sign-Up Month History
The campaign started in 1987 as a response to then Secretary of Education William Bennett, who stated, “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.” Read a detailed account in this 2015 blog post at the American Library Association Archives, A Library Card for Every Child: Library Card Sign-Up Month, by Cara Bertram.
Ways You and Your Family Can Celebrate
Visit MPHPL
Visit the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library to see what’s new and participate in a program. Do you have friends who don’t have a library card? Invite them to sign up during September. For more information on what you need to get a card, visit mphpl.org/apply-for-a-card.
Take Part in the #GetLibraryCarded Social Media Contest
It’s the most powerful tool in your wallet – show it off! Share a photo of yourself with your library card for the chance to win $100! Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded and #MPHPL hashtags.
Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Be sure not to reveal any personal information on your library card and don’t forget to tag the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Facebook page too!
The creator of one randomly-selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift and a poster of choice from ALA Graphics. Three second-place winners will each receive a poster of their choice from ALA Graphics.
The #GetLibraryCarded promotion begins Thursday, September 1, at noon CT and ends Friday, September 23, at noon CT. All library lovers and librarians are encouraged to participate. The promotion is open to residents of the United States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. Employees of the American Library Association are not eligible to participate.