WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when the six libraries within the Lycoming County Library System (LCLS) join the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.

This year, Optimus Prime from TRANSFORMERS is the special ambassador, highlighting that there’s more than meets the eye at your local library. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, find valuable information, or connect with fellow avid readers, a library card unlocks a world of possibilities.

Libraries play a crucial role in children’s education and development, offering various programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, media resources, and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages with opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.

Held annually every September since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month coincides with the beginning of the school year and serves as a reminder and encouragement for parents to sign their children up for their very own library card.

When asked about the importance of Library Sign-up Month, Amy C. Resh, LCLS System Administrator, said, “A library card opens a new door to education and other experiences. There is something for everyone at your local library, and if you can’t make it to the library, there are three outreach vehicles available to serve you at various locations throughout Lycoming County.”

Resh also noted that using your local public library is a form of financial literacy.

“When you check out an item at the library, the year-to-date total you have saved is printed on the bottom of your checkout receipt,” she said. “Many of our families see significant savings by using the library. In fact, there are patrons at each county library who have each saved more than $10,000 so far this year just by using their library or the Bookmobile.”

Patrons can get their free library card during open hours at any Lycoming County library: Hughesville Area Public Library, Jersey Shore Public Library, James V. Brown Library, Dr. W.B. Konkle Memorial Library in Montoursville, Montgomery Area Public Library, and Muncy Public Library, if they live, work or go to school in Lycoming County.

Visit lclspa.org for more information or to see the outreach schedule for the three vehicles: Bookmobile, Book’s Bus and Storymobile.

The Lycoming County Library System supports the PA Forward statewide initiative, which believes that when Pennsylvania residents improve their command of five types of literacy – basic, information, civic and social, health and financial – they can achieve greater success as students, parents, employees, consumers, as citizens. Libraries are community centers of information, technology and learning that will fuel educational and economic opportunity for all of our citizens. The Lycoming County Library System comprises the Hughesville Area Public Library, Jersey Shore Public Library, James V. Brown Library, Dr. W.B. Konkle Memorial Library in Montoursville, Montgomery Area Public Library, and Muncy Public Library. Visit lclspa.org for more information.