September is Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. To celebrate, the Ohio Library Council (OLC) is teaming up with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to get more books into the hands of Ohio’s children. We’re inviting everyone to discover the incredible resources and opportunities available at your local library.

“Getting a library card is a transformative experience for children and families,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “It opens a whole new world of education, entertainment, and enrichment. Libraries offer a cost-effective way for parents and caregivers to access books for their children and read more frequently together. We appreciate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio for helping us spread the word about the power of public libraries.”

Today’s libraries are vibrant community centers that provide an amazing collection of books and many resources to build early literacy skills through storytimes and Kindergarten readiness programs. Ohio’s public libraries also offer homework help, creative makerspaces, Wi-Fi hotspots, and so much more. You may even be surprised to find items at your local library such as fishing poles, bicycles and museum passes. A library card unlocks a world of possibilities.

“Libraries are gems in our communities that I hope all Ohioans – especially the littlest ones – explore frequently,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “We also hope to spark an early love of learning with free Dolly Parton Imagination Library books that are delivered home when children under the age of 5 sign up.”

Currently more than 409,000 Ohio children – from birth to age 5 – receive Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio books each month at no cost to their families. To register, visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org.

This year, Optimus Prime from the Transformers is the special ambassador for Library Card Sign-up Month. This annual initiative, tied into the start of the new school year, underscores the importance of libraries as essential community hubs that provide access to information and experiences that enrich lives. To find a local library near you, visit the OLC website