What's Happening?
The Quincy Public Library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month this September by encouraging community members to obtain or renew their library cards. As part of the celebration, the library is offering free bookmarks and stickers to anyone who signs
up for a new card or renews an existing one. Additionally, these individuals will be entered into a raffle to win one of three prizes: a Toniebox, a Kindle, or a game night basket. A Quincy Public Library card provides free access to a wide range of resources, including books, movies, audiobooks, and digital services such as Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. It also grants access to items from the library’s 'Library of Things' collection. Library Executive Director Natascha Will emphasized that library cards open doors to numerous resources and that the library aims for everyone in the community to be aware of the extensive offerings available.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is important because it actively promotes literacy, education, and access to information within the Quincy community. By incentivizing library card sign-ups and renewals, the Quincy Public Library is working to ensure that more residents can utilize its diverse resources, from traditional books to modern digital platforms and unique 'Library of Things' items. In an era where access to information can be costly, the library provides essential services free of charge, bridging potential socioeconomic gaps. The raffle and giveaways create an engaging way to attract new patrons and re-engage existing ones, fostering a stronger connection between the community and its library. This effort underscores the library's role as a vital community hub that supports lifelong learning and provides valuable resources for all ages.
What's Next?
Throughout September, the Quincy Public Library will continue its promotional activities for Library Card Sign-Up Month. Community members can sign up for a new card or renew an existing one at the library, aboard the Mobile Library, or online. Those who sign up online must pick up their physical card during September to be eligible for the promotion and raffle. To sign up in person, applicants need to bring a valid ID, and if the ID does not show a current address, a piece of mail with their name and current address is also required. The library encourages current cardholders to spread the word about the promotion to friends, family, and neighbors. Promotional items and raffle entries are available while supplies last, with the raffle drawing to take place after the end of September.
Beyond the Headlines
The Quincy Public Library's campaign goes beyond simply increasing cardholder numbers; it reflects a broader strategy to reinforce the library's relevance and value in the digital age. By highlighting access to digital services like Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy, as well as the 'Library of Things,' the library demonstrates its adaptation to contemporary needs and interests. This approach helps to dismantle the outdated perception of libraries as solely places for physical books, showcasing them as dynamic centers for technology, entertainment, and practical resources. The emphasis on community outreach and encouraging existing cardholders to advocate for the library also fosters a sense of collective ownership and pride. This initiative contributes to the ongoing evolution of public libraries as essential community anchors that provide diverse services and opportunities for personal and communal growth, ensuring their continued importance in civic life.
