By Health & Senior Services Librarian Rose Barnes
Happy September! I hope you’re enjoying the slow cool down from summer and are ready to put your library card to good use this autumn. Did you know that September is Library Card Sign-Up Month?
During the month of September, all over the country, libraries work to encourage more people to sign up for a library card. If you already have one, then scroll down to learn more about what you can do with your card or encourage someone you know to sign up this month!
If you don’t have one yet, then I encourage you to stop by any of our branches and sign up today. Here’s what you need to know to sign up »
There’s just so much that you can do with your library card!
Last year, I wrote this post about five ways to get more from your library card that is still relevant and useful today.
Plus, there are so many new things happening at the library that you can access with your library card:
- Get expanded access to The New York Times: Your Oak Park library card now unlocks all-access features, including NYT Cooking, Games, Wirecutter, and The Athletic.
- Have you visited the Creative Studio? Here you can create your own 3D prints, design t-shirts, digitize photos and VHS tapes, record audio files, and much more. You can always sign up for a Learning Lab to get training on the technology or drop in for twice-monthly open studio session. You don’t need a library card to access the Creative Studio, but you do need an Oak Park card to log into Creativebug, where you can search for project ideas using the Creative Studio equipment, including the Cricut and Glowforge (just use the search bar and enter Cricut or Glowforge to find projects).
- Scanning is free, but with your card, you can print up to 50 pages daily for free. Need help getting started? Check out these step-by-step instructions (with photos) »
I hope you are excited to use your card this month. I know that I plan to check out a museum pass and visit a new museum this month. What will you do with your card?
About Rose
Rose is an Adult Services Librarian specializing in health and senior services. She is a passionate reader, baker, and explorer who is always planning her next adventure.
