September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, and DPNR’s Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums wants to ensure that all children in the Virgin Islands have the smartest card of all – a library card.
Library Card Sign-Up month has been observed since 1987 by the American Library Association (ALA). This year’s spokesman, NBA star and Olympic medalist Dwyane Wade, agrees that a library card is “the smartest card” in his wallet. Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. By providing school-age children with engaging programs, amazing collections, exposure to history, culture and technology, students from all backgrounds become excited and enthusiastic readers.
According to a recent study by the American Library Association, the studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.
“Today’s libraries are thriving technology hubs that millions rely on as either their first or only choice for computer and Internet access. In doing so, libraries provide children with not only the tools to be literate, but information literate as well,” says Ingrid Bough, territorial director of Libraries, Archives and Museums. Getting a library card is easy. Visit your favorite branch with ID and proof of residency.
Also during the month of September, library patrons can enjoy a whole month of book amnesty that will give library patrons an opportunity to return overdue books without having to pay late fees that may have accumulated. During amnesty month, those records can be cleared of all existing late fees, excluding lost and damaged books. All patrons with overdue books should take this month to bring those back the books to any public library facility.
St. Croix: Florence Williams Public Library at 773-5715; Athalie McFarlane Petersen Public Library at 772-0315
St. Thomas: Enid M. Baa Public Library at 774-0630
St. John: Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library at 776-6359
For more information about the Virgin Islands public libraries, contact any of the public libraries or visit the website at www.virginislandspubliclibraries.org.