Cost-Effective, Versatile Back-to-School Item: A Library Card

Electronic tablets and smartphones can be important learning tools for today’s students, but the most versatile item available to them is the same one their parents and grandparents used: the library card.

The American Library Association has named September “Library Card Sign-up Month” and is encouraging students of all ages to make sure they are able to take advantage of the many resources libraries offer.

Having a library card from a New Hampshire library allows students access to the more 2 million items in our state’s libraries’ collections, including magazines, movies and music as well as books. If a student’s library does not own a particular item, it can often be requested from another library in the state.

“While electronic devices offer Internet access and study apps, they’re not a substitute for the amazing amount of information that’s available at New Hampshire’s public libraries,” said Michael York, New Hampshire state librarian. “For students, a library card is the single most cost-effective tool they can get to enhance their education.”

The New Hampshire State Library promotes excellence in libraries and library services to all New Hampshire residents, by assisting libraries and the people of New Hampshire with rapid access to library and informational resources through the development and coordination of a statewide library/information system; by meeting the informational needs of New Hampshire’s state, county and municipal governments and its libraries; and by serving as a resource for New Hampshire.

For more information, visit nh.gov/nhsl.

Submitted by the New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources.