According to the American Library Association, this month is a time to encourage people to visit their local libraries and, if they don’t already have a library card, sign up for one. Here are a couple of ways to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month.

Visit your library. Even if you don’t normally spend a lot of time reading, maybe go check out a book this month and give it a try. Some of the benefits of reading books include expanding vocabulary, mental exercise, stress relief, using imagination and gaining knowledge.

But obtaining books isn’t the only reason to visit a library. Local libraries host a variety of activities for people of all ages. For example, during September, Pleasant Grove’s library is hosting a “Bad Art Night” for teens, a bookbinding workshop, an after-school adventures program, and a Dungeons and Dragons Club and Game Night, to name a few. Check out your local library’s website or social media pages for more information.

Help spread the word. As a teacher, I have seen many, many children over the years look at me in surprise when I tell them it is free to get a library card and free to check out books. This is magical to kids. Reading books opens up other worlds to them and it’s always so exciting to find just the right book at the library — and be able to take it home for a few days.

Courtesy Jeremy Hall

Letting people know about signing up for library cards is one way to celebrate this month. Another way is to help spread the word about good books you are reading or have read. Many book-lovers like myself follow social media pages where readers review books. This is a great way to find something special to read.

In addition to sharing the books you’re reading, share information about your local library so others in the community will know all about library goings-on. Many might not know that there are story times and puppet shows at libraries or that there are programs in Spanish as well as English. Help spread the word so libraries will be used and appreciated by everyone.