September  is Library Card Sign-up Month – a time when the American Library  Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a  library card is the most important school supply of all.

This year marks the 30th anniverary of Library Card Sign-up Month, a  national observance that was launched in 1987 to ensure every child  obtain a library card and use it. Since then, thousands of public and  school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every  child does just that.

Library cards are generally free to those living in the library's  service area.[Residents within the city limits of Adrian may receive a free library card at the Adrian District Library] In most cases, borrowing privileges are granted on the  spot. Some libraries may require some form of identification, proof of  residency or the signature of a guardian.[ADL requires this]

Today’s Public Libraries

Libraries play an important role in the education and development of  children. 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.

Librarians are literacy experts. Libraries offer a variety of  programs to stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Preschool  story hours expose young children to the joy of reading, while homework  centers provide computers and assistance to older children after  school. Summer reading clubs keep children reading during school  vacation and have been shown to be the most important factor in avoiding  the decrease in reading skills that educators refer to as "summer  learning loss."

Society is changing in the way it consumes information. Libraries are  evolving with these changes to serve the public and to continue to  fulfill their role in leveling the playing field for all who seek  information and access to technologies.

Today’s public libraries are thriving technology hubs that millions  rely on as their first or only choice for Internet access and digital  content. In addition to books, magazines, DVDs, computers, games,  software and other multimedia materials, libraries provide access to  e-books and e-book readers. Ninety percent of libraries offer access to  e-books, an increase of 14 percent from 2012. Mobile devices, including  e-book readers, which are available at 39 percent of libraries.

Often the library is the first point of contact in helping community  members. From providing assistance to small business owners to assisting  with access to e-government resources, libraries are changing lives  through education.

Libraries are America’s great information equalizers – the only place  people of all ages and backgrounds can find and freely use such a  diversity of resources, along with the expert guidance of librarians.