August 28, 2024
There is a classic “Arthur” episode (yes, PBS Kids’ “Arthur”) where Arthur and his friends sing, “Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card.” For the month of September, read stories about Library Card Sign-Up Month information from different library systems.
The American Library Association has been celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month since 1987.
Dorchester County, SC — Dorchester County Library
Julianna Fitch, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Dorchester County Library discussed the greatness of a library card.
Why a Library Card?
“It’s a total all-access pass to everything that we offer,” Fitch said.
The Dorchester County Library system has four library branches and a bookmobile. Library cards provides patrons access to take out resources and materials, like SCLends, an agreement by many library systems in South Carolina that allows patrons an opportunity to get hands on audiobooks, books or research that is harder to find.
Fitch said it is a good resource for the community.
“It gives people the ability to explore, learn and grow at their own pace in their environment,” she said.
For those interested in how to obtain a library card for the system, there are many options.
They can go to any of the branches in the county or the bookmobile to do so. They will need proof of residency to show staff. This includes a current ID and proof of address like mortgage, lease agreement or bill.
To obtain a library card online, there is an online application on their website’s, “Get a Card” Section. It sends viewers to SCLends’ website. They complete it and the next time they get to the library, they should bring their ID and a proof of residence at any branch in the county.
Users can get e-cards online solely for the digital library. It’s also in the “Get a Card” section.
Libraries Keep Up With Society
She said so much has changed with libraries over the years and it’s not just physical books anymore. Because of the digital access, “You don’t have to step foot into the library to take advantage of our resources,” she said.
She added on that libraries have a digital collection for library card users to utilize. This digital collection includes Hoopla, Libby and The Shelf (Spanish TV and Movies). This gives patrons digital access to movies, music, ebooks and television shows.
Beyond that, she described what items and activities are available in the library system.
There are early literacy kits that come with themed activities, books and toys. She said the St. George Branch has sewing machines and guitars.
Fitch said library card holders can check out passes to attractions like the South Carolina Aquarium, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry and Dorchester County Heritage Center.
For those who cannot get to the library, the system’s bookmobile goes to schools and retirement communities.
The library system also offers free wi-fi and clubs (like anime, book and Lego).
She said interactive educational experiences like STEM, shows the shift that libraries don’t only lend materials, but offers more.
Activities for the month
There will be outreach events at schools in Dorchester School District 2. The events will be their opportunity to advertise programs and help students sign-up for their own library card.
A library card is always free in the library system. However, a replacement card usually is three dollars. For the month of September, the fine is waived for the month.
For other upcoming events, view their program guide.
