The benefits of a library card have always been substantial; it’s no wonder former Secretary of Education William Bennett called for a campaign to encourage sign-ups across the country in 1987. Clearly, the American Library Association agreed with the idea, and National Library Card Sign Up Month was born.
Those sentiments are still true today – but so much about what your library has to offer has changed (for the better) since then. The nature of libraries has evolved right along with us, and it’s adapted to fit our needs as they’ve grown beyond books. Here’s a quick refresher on all the advantages a Burlington County Library System membership offers:
Let’s start with the classics. Every BCLS location houses thousands of items for all ages, including books, DVDs, Blu-rays, magazines, CDs, video games, and books on CD. You’ll also find large print books and materials in languages other than English. If you prefer to read digitally, you can check out eBooks and audiobooks on the go through Overdrive, or page through magazines with Flipster.
Of course, you know the library is more than just books and movies! In addition to public computers available for use in BCLS branches, the system also has dozens of Chromebooks, tablets, and mobile WiFi hotspots that you can check out and use at home just as easily as you check out a novel or DVD.
Need to do some research? Browse our collection of databases and other tools. You might come across Udemy, which gives you access to more than 6,000 instructional courses and videos covering 80 topics to help you with a new skill or interest. Or try learning a new language with Pronunciator through its courses, pronunciation and pitch analyzers, and progress tracking capabilities. You can even take one of our travel prep courses if you have an upcoming trip abroad. Or, if you’re new to English, try one of our ESL classes.
Your card even comes with a membership to Kanopy, a streaming service just for libraries. You’ll have access to more than 30,000 videos, including documentaries, award winners, foreign films, the Great Courses and more.
And, really, that’s just the beginning of everything your library card has to offer. Why not take advantage of Library Card Sign Up Month this September and start your journey!