Do You Have a Library Card?

Do you have a library card?

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Take a look at what the Cook Memorial Public Library District has to say about the benefits of having a library card:

For 26 years, the American Library Association has recognized September as National Library Card Sign-up Month; the month was chosen in acknowledgment that a library card is important for students as they head back to school. At Cook Memorial Public Library locations (413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills; and the Bookmobile), in-district patrons age four and up can sign up for a library card and, during September, receive a small reward.

Registration takes just a few minutes and only requires proof of residency within district boundaries. Poet Rita Mae Brown observed, “When I got [my] library card, that was when my life began.” Brown is among numerous writers, artists, thinkers and leaders who have noted that the library opens up a world of possibilities to all ages and to youth in particular. Popular YA author Patrick Ness gives praise to the institution and the youth who take advantage of it, saying, “Shout for libraries. Shout for the young readers who use them.”

A Cook Library card comes with year-round story times for children, research help for school assignments, a full roster of tween and teen events as well as with borrowing privileges for an extensive collection of books, music and videos.
Patrons also have full access to seasonal activities and programs, more than 80 databases and electronic encyclopedias, computer classes and a growing eLibrary collection—allowing patrons to download books, audiobooks, music, magazines and videos to various portable devices. While a library card is a key resource for students to achieve academic success, it is also an entertainment pass. Cook Park and Aspen Drive are full-service libraries where individuals or families can spend hours browsing and reading; checking out the latest magazines, DVDs and video games; playing board games, puppets and Legos; or connecting to free WiFi.

Cook Library’s knowledgeable librarians and readers advisors stand ready to answer questions and help patrons access information, entertainment and early literacy tools seven days a week. The libraries are open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sunday 1–5 p.m. The Bookmobile makes regular stops each week along the boundaries of the district; a full schedule may be accessed at www.cooklib.org.