September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. From borrowing materials to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending a book club, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy; All without stressing their budget.
Interested in trying a new hobby? The library can help! We offer free paper crafting kits, sewing machines, and musical instruments for checkout. Thinking about starting or growing a small business? Business Librarian, Chris Biersdorf, offers personalized help and a slew of resources to help you reach your goals. “At APLD, we support local businesses by offering library cards to anyone who owns a business in Aurora, along with their employees, even if their home is outside of the city.”
Library cards allow business owners access to the Library’s subscription-based online market research tools, helping business owners find their competitors and better understand their target audience. Signing up for a library card is the first step to achieving your business goals!
Everyone has the potential to reach their goals with an APLD Library card, especially students. After the fun and sun of Summer, the Library wants to make sure that children are ready to head back into the school year with a Library card in hand. “Having a Library card at an early age can help a child embark on the road of lifelong learning and academic success,” said senior Children’s manager, Monica Boyer. “Children have endless resources at their disposal with a library card. Databases, books, and other material such as STEM Kits help children learn new concepts and develop skills.”
Library Card Sign-up Month has been held every September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year. Throughout the month, the ALA and local libraries work together in a national effort to ensure everyone signs up for a library card. This year we are hosting activities and giveaways under the ALA theme ‘Get In Your Element with a Library Card.’ “Each location will be doing weekly giveaways with additional grand prize winners at the end of the month,” said senior Circulation manager, Yiota Piraino. “Come in and submit your entry for a chance to win some library swag, coffee travel mugs, mini speakers, and a picnic blanket!” The library is debuting a new Library card design based on a contest winner from earlier this year. “We think new and established Library card holders will absolutely love this colorful and vibrant design that features a whimsical mix of hobbies,” said Piraino. Be sure to pick one up and add another Library card design to your collection.
APLD continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. To sign up for a Library card or learn more about the Library’s resources and programs, please visit www.aurorapubliclibrary.org or call us at 630-264-4117. A library card is elemental.
Everyone should have one!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.