September is Library Card Sign-up Month – a time when the American Library Association and the Washoe County Library System remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all—and it is free! The observance was launched in 1987 to meet the challenge of then Secretary of Education William J. Bennett who said: “Let’s have a national campaign…every child should obtain a library card – and use it.” Since then, thousands of public and school libraries join each fall in a national effort to ensure every child does just that. Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.
Libraries offer books, magazines, audio-recordings, DVD’s, computers, software and other multimedia materials. Libraries offer a wide range of other items on loan to children and their families. And librarians are on hand to help recommend materials suitable for various ages and interests. “When it comes to achieving academic success, a library card provides students with access to a world of both print and electronic resources,” says Library Director Arnie Maurins, “Students can access free databases and online homework help and attend programs, activities and clubs that provide an added value to the educational experience. No wonder that 84-percent of Americans agree that the public library is important to education.”
We invite the community to visit their local library. Check out our website to learn about the variety of activities throughout the month of September and beyond. A snapshot of programs includes the following:
• Connect at Your Library: Library Director Arnie Maurins will be around the area throughout the month of September. Come share your ideas, show us your library card or sign-up for a library card and receive a free gift. o Wednesday, September 12 at the Sparks Library from 11 a.m.-noon. o Wednesday, September 19 at the Incline Village Library from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. o Wednesday, September 26 at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. o Thursday, September 27 at the South Valleys Library from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Financial Planning Workshops: 8 week sessions begin August 29 and go through October 18 at the Northwest Reno Library, South Valleys Library and Downtown Reno Library. • Eyes for Tomorrow Guide Dog Puppies are visiting libraries starting September 12-November 10 at the Sparks Library, Spanish Springs Library, Northwest Library, Incline Village Library, North Valleys Library and South Valleys Library. • Computer Classes continue at the Downtown Reno Library September 19 through October 17. • Friends of Washoe County Library will hold their Booksale Bonanza at 5205 Mill Street from September 22-September 30. Visitwww.washoelibraryfriends.org for more information. • Story Times, Art exhibits, and much more—please check us out.
For more information on locations, program descriptions and times, please contact us at (775) 327-8300, or visit our website at www.washoecountylibrary.us
