Do you have a local library card? Each year, we celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month in September and now is the perfect time to get one so you can take advantage of all the perks right here in your local community! ! This special occasion was established over 30 years ago by Secretary of Education William Bennett to mark the beginning of the school year and encourage families to read all year long.
Signing up for a library card unlocks so many benefits including books, movies, eBooks, and children's programming. Besides all of the tangible benefits, library services also have a tendency to increase academic achievement, broaden your horizons, and foster a love of learning for your entire life. So what are you waiting for? Get that library card and start your journey into a new adventure!
Getting A Library Card
When I first moved to Elberton, I went to the library and presented my driver's license with home address and the friendly staff helped me get a library card right away. Now I have access to all of the PINES library resources across Georgia! But I was wondering about the requirements to get a library card in Elbert County, Georgia.
According to Jan Burroughs, Director of the Elbert County Public Library, "Adults need to bring their photo ID with current home address listed on their ID such as driver's license, passport, Georgia weapons carry license or a US military ID. If the ID does not have a current address, you must supply one address verification document. If you do not have a photo ID, then you must provide two address verification documents.
Acceptable Address Verification Documents (must show applicant's name and current address):
- Valid Georgia voter registration card
- Recent utility bill (e.g., gas, electric, cable, internet, water/sewer, waste management)
- Recent tax receipt or other pieces of mail that shows the user’s name and present address
- Recent pay stub
- Current lease/rental agreement
- County tax assessor records
- Official base assignment documentation (for current military and family members)
If you live in Elbert County then you are eligible for a free PINES library card and all of the benefits that come with it. If you live in another county, you will find similar requirements at your local branch.
And if you already have a library card -- here is your friendly reminder to explore the library resources and see what you're missing. We came up with 5 reasons to get that library card today:
1. A library expands your child’s horizons.
Visiting a library is a risk-free way to explore the world through books, movies, music, and more. Getting your child a library card allows children to choose their own materials, which helps them find series and topics that interest them. Plus a library offers something you can’t find anywhere else -- a librarian! Librarians are valuable resources when it comes to finding the perfect book -- they can suggest a new release or a classic to check out.
2. A library card teaches self-discipline and responsibility.
Our public library offers so many options for books, audiobooks, and movies, but there are limits on the number of items you can check out at once and length of time you can borrow each item. You and your child will have to choose carefully, make decisions, and manage your time -- a great way to learn self-discipline and accountability! And if the book they want isn’t available? That’s OK! Waiting for your favorite book to arrive builds character and gives us a much-needed opportunity to be patient. It's hard to find time for delayed gratification these days, and the wait is totally worth it. I let my kidsChildren take pride in knowing they are in charge of their card and their books. They'll also learn that with responsibility comes consequences ... especially if they lose a book or return it late! Libraries are amazing public places, and a library card can open up new worlds to your child.
3. A library card saves money.
The library is one of those special places where my kids can pick anything they want and I'll say, "Okay!" They love browsing the shelves and picking out whatever strikes their interest on the day. Sometimes they grab just one or two, and sometimes it's whole bag full! Think about all the money that we get to save by borrowing the book and returning it within 14 days. Curious about how much you're actually saving? Help your kids find out the value of your library by using this "What's Your Library Worth?" Calculator.
4. Visiting the library encourages community building.
Elbert County Public Library offers so many free services and programs for the community, with a wide range of events and classes open to people of all ages. Our local library's past and current events included a lineup of toddler story times, summer reading, puppet shows, informational classes, book signings, guest speakers and more!
5. A library card can be fun!
Did you know that your library card gives additional benefits that extend outside of the library building? Take a look at the 6 Things You Can Borrow at Elbert County Public Library Other Than Books, for example -- audiobooks and eBooks from Libby, free parking pass to GA State Parks, free seed packets / garden tool rentals, genealogy research, and passes to Zoo Atlanta. You need to take a look and find all the resources at your local library -- you might be surprised...
This article was written by Amy PerezVelasco, a library card holder and supporter of the Elbert County Public Library and publisher of Macaroni KID Elberton, inspired by an original article by Stephanie Duhon of Macaroni Kid Franklin, Tenn.
