Library Card Sign-Up Month

Happy Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to promote the perks of using the library. Stop by your nearest location to learn more about signing up and unlocking a world of resources. And if you already have a card, we’re offering replacements all month long. So if your card is looking well-loved, come pick up a fresh one, for free. For those who still aren’t convinced, read on for our top ten reasons to sign up for a library card today.

TOP TEN REASONS TO LOVE THE LIBRARY (& SIGN UP FOR A LIBRARY CARD!)

1. Free Books, Of Course! Plus free DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and checkout kits for book clubs, young readers, caregivers, and birding and nature Our physical collection includes over 200,000 items for all ages. Whether you’re a beginning reader, love a graphic novel, prefer large type text, or can’t wait to pick up the latest bestseller, our collection meets a variety of needs and interests. The best part of all? You can check out up to fifty items at a time. Plus, if items aren’t available at your preferred location, we’ll place them on hold, have them sent to your library, and will notify you when they’re available. Visit our online catalog to begin exploring.

2. Libby, Hoopla, Magzter, Oh My! In addition to our collection’s physical items, library card holders can also access platforms like Libby, Hoopla, and Magzter to download and stream digital content straight to their computer, tablet, or smartphone device. Let Libby be your go-to for ebooks and audiobooks. Or browse Hoopla for ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, movies, television, and music. Hoopla is also home to Bingepasses, which allow you to stream collections of content with just one borrow. Take a course, find new workout routines, binge Hallmark movies, and more! And for those who enjoy magazines, download the Magzter app and have all of your favorite publications right at your fingertips. Visit our Downloads and Streaming page for tips on getting started with all three platforms.

3. Resources for Lifelong Learning. It’s never too late to learn something new! Visit our Research and Learning page to access dozens of databases, for free, with a library card. Explore resources to learn a new language, find academic support, browse career and business resources, take an online class, and so much more.

4. Staying Connected. Log on to one of our many public use computers to check your email or just surf the web. Computers also come equipped with Microsoft Office software for creating documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and flyers. Or, if you have a device of your own, visit any location to use our free Wi-Fi!

5. You Don’t Want to Invest in a Personal Printer. No printer? No problem! Print, copy, and scan documents and images at the library. Black-and-white prints are just $0.10 per printed side ($0.50 for color), and scanning is free.

6. You Want to Find a “Third Place.” Third places are defined as spaces outside of home and work (or school) where people can meet and connect with their community (The University of Chicago, English Language Institute). And while places like cafes and restaurants can serve this purpose, most come with a cost. Let the library be your (free) third place! HCPL offers different spaces to meet different needs. Parents and adults of little ones can use Work and Play stations to do computer work while simultaneously keeping their child safe and entertained. Teens in grades 6-12 can hang out with other teens while video gaming after school (see your library’s teen staff for details). Individuals and groups can reserve spaces to convene, study, and collaborate. Patrons can also find peace in our designated quiet rooms and discover plenty of cozy nooks to read, relax, and unwind after a busy day.  

7. Free Programs. HCPL offers hundreds of free events throughout the year for all ages including storytimes, book discussions, computer classes, film screenings, craft programs, presenters, performances, and more. Stop by one of our locations to pick up a Program Guide or visit our online calendar to view all of our upcoming programs.

8. Creative Resources. Digitize your family’s memories, record a podcast, 3D print a prototype, design a logo, and photograph products for your business website: these are just a handful of the types of multimedia projects you can work on in our Digital Media Labs (DML). DMLs are available at our five Area Libraries. Each offers classes as well as designated Open Lab Hours when patrons can use the DML’s computers, software, and select equipment. DMLs can also be reserved for photo, video, and audio recording. Contact staff at your nearest DML location for more details. Plus, be sure to check out Fairfield’s One Button Studio, which also supports audio and video recording projects.

9. Recommendations. Need new titles for that TBR (to-be-read) pile on your nightstand? Pick the brains of our expert librarians! HCPL staff read across several genres and are happy to provide you recommendations. Fill out a My Next Read form and one of our staff will respond with a custom book list. You can also subscribe to different LibraryAware newsletters based on your interests or explore Novelist, which provides thousands of reviews and read-alikes tailored to your current mood and taste.

10. Support. Call us, visit us, text us at 571-536-7695 (message and data rates may apply), or send us a message through our Ask a Librarian form (green tab located on the right side of our website) with your questions and we’ll help connect you to resources and information.

And if you can’t get enough library—because you can never have too much library!—follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for the latest library news. Welcome to HCPL!