The Most Important School Supply of All Is Available @ your library®

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When it comes to heading back to school, it’s important that your child has the all the tools they need to start off the school year right. So between trips to the store for glue sticks, markers and three-ring binders, be sure to stop by your library and pick up the most important school supply of all – a library card.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country remind parents and caregivers that a library card is the most important school supply of all. 

Owning a library card provides students the resources they need to compete academically. Most public libraries (89.6 percent) provide students free access to databases of news articles, encyclopedias and test preparation materials, as well as homework help and resources. In addition, public libraries are the number one access point for free Internet access, an important resource for families without access at home when 96 percent of school districts require students to use the Internet to complete their homework.  

“The library card is the smartest card in my wallet,” remarks Cal Ripken, Jr. Baseball Hall of Famer and Honorary Chair of Library Card Sign-up Month.

Ripken appears in print and digital public service announcements (PSA) reminding parents and children that a library card is the most important tool in achieving academic success. 

For ideas on how to use your library card to spend family time together, visit the Connect with your kids @ your library section of the website.  Connect with your kids encourages parents to use the resources at their library to spend quality time with their children at the library, at home and in their community.