“Let’s have a campaign… Every child should obtain a library card and use it.”
–William Bennett, 1987 Secretary of Education
The campaign to get a library card into the hands of every child began in 1987 and continues each September with new sponsors for libraries! This year, the American Library Association has teamed up with Optimus Prime from the TRANSFORMERS franchise to showcase “Libraries - More Than Meets the Eye… Roll Out with a Library Card”.
Of course, at BCLS we think one of the most important accessories you need for going back to school is a library card, and the good news is we can help with that! Apply for a BCLS card online or in person at your local branch.
Here are just some of the benefits you can look forward to when you receive your card:
- Borrow books, DVDs and more from our collection of 850,000+ titles.
- Browse our digital library and borrow eBooks, eMagazines and audiobooks through Overdrive and Libby.
- Access online resources like Explora and learning tools like Udemy.
- Stream movies on Kanopy from a collection of more than 30,000 films.
- Gain free admission to more than 30 museums by taking advantage of our Museum Pass program.
Who is eligible for a free library card with BCLS?
Burlington County residents in member communities are eligible for membership at any age; children under the age of 18 just need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when they apply.
In addition, the following groups are eligible for free membership:
- RCBC Students
- Educators employed in Burlington County schools located in member communities*
- Employees of Burlington County
- Active military personnel stationed in Burlington County
There are also paid memberships available. If you’d like to know more about how to get a library card, check out our updated lending policies.
Did you know?
BCLS participates in a reciprocal borrowing program with neighboring Ocean County Library System and Atlantic County Library System. As of March 2024, BCLS is also participating in a statewide reciprocal borrowing pilot program, adding additional New Jersey library benefits you can access with your BCLS library card!
Learn what your library system has to offer by finding out more about using the library.
*Member communities are all Burlington County municipalities except Mount Laurel, Moorestown and Willingboro.
