Library Card Drive Nets Big Results

In October, 7,050 children and adults got cards during s fifth-annual card drive.

The number is significant during the card drive month, compared with typical months when approximately 4,500 people sign up for cards.

“People move to communities and get new library cards all of the time. Also, people get new cards when they discover the Library offers services they want and need, such as downloading ebooks to Kindles that we began offering in September,” said Neel Parikh, executive director of Pierce County Library. “The card drive is a focused effort and truly revs up interest and new experiences for people.”

Parikh explained that people often say they have a library card. However, Pierce County Library retains a credible database of card holders. It removes any cards that haven’t been used for two years. Following the card drive 262,082 people have Pierce County Library cards.

With the card people get an array of free services, including access to:

• More than 1.3 million books, movies and more.
• Online help in real-time from professional tutors and coaches for help with homework and getting jobs.
• Audiobooks, e-books and songs to download to home computers and portable devices.
• Time reserved on a computer for up to 48 hours in advance and for up to two hours of use.
• E-sources of databases and subscription magazines that would cost individuals thousands of dollars to access.

During the card drive, people could enter to win an iPad2, a gift from Pierce County Library Foundation. Maria Bennyhoff, of Bonney Lake, is the proud winner.