This month, the Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch are joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month.

Whether it’s being used online or in person, a library card gives students the free tools to succeed in school and provides people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to pursue their dreams and be their best selves. From family Story Times and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programs to makerspaces and virtual homework help, libraries play an essential role in supporting the value of lifelong learning through education.

Libraries offer free and fun educational resources and activities that bring families and communities together. They have moved beyond just being book repositories; they’re agile institutions serving real-life needs.

Did you know you can borrow family museum passes from the library for free? Visit an area zoo, museum, or garden — you just need a Chester County Library System card!

Taking a vacation, doing virtual school at home, or doing business on the road? The Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch also rent mobile hotspots that allow library cardholders to access unlimited, high-speed Internet service anywhere a T-Mobile signal can be received. Connect up to 10 devices at a time, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

With a library card, the possibilities are endless. Borrow books, CDs, or DVDs and download eBooks and e-Audiobooks right from the comfort of your own home. Chester County Library even has a large selection of videogames available to rent.

Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students of all ages. A library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.

For younger children, Chester County Library offers early literacy resources to help them learn to read and encourage school-readiness. For teens and older students, the library provides access to technology and digital tools (such as 3D printers, button makers, scanners, and audio-visual recording and editing equipment), as well as GED resources.

This year, Marley Dias — author, executive producer, and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks — is taking on a new role as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month. As honorary chair, Dias will remind the public that signing up for a library card provides access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programming that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

“A library card is the ticket you need to travel across the globe,” she said. “It allows you to experience stories that can connect you to diverse and empowering experiences.”

Learn more about the Chester County Library System.