By Angela Martinez, Youth Librarian, Herman & Kate Kaiser Library
Since 1987, libraries across the country have used this month to encourage children and families to discover everything that comes with owning a library card. This year’s theme is “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes!” One of my favorite things to tell children and caregivers is that you can check out up to 75 books and audiobooks with your Tulsa City-County Library card. SEVENTY-FIVE! Their eyes always get really big when I say that. That’s a lot of knowledge—and a lot of responsibility! Of course, I always remind kids that just because you can check out 75 books doesn’t mean you should. Only take home what you’re prepared to keep track of and return.
Having a library card gives kids an opportunity to make their own choices and explore whatever interests them. And books are only the beginning! Your library card can connect you to downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, movies, music, online learning resources, and so much more. When creating library cards for families, I also love using these conversations as a chance to tell them about library programs. Storytimes, crafts, STEAM activities, clubs, and other programs give kids even more opportunities to explore their interests. And if you don’t see the kind of program you’re looking for, please tell us! Librarians want to know what interests you and your family. You might just inspire our next great program.
Ready to celebrate getting that first library card? Check out these stories to share with your little library cardholder:
- First Library Card With Big Bird by Whitney Sanderson
"Borrowing books from a library is fun! But you need a library card to borrow books. Readers will join Big Bird and more Sesame Street friends in learning about getting your first library card."
- Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg
"A rhyming, rollicking picture book read-aloud about the power of books and the perfect introduction to the library for little readers."
- Amelia Bedelia’s First Library Card by Herman Parish
"Amelia Bedelia helps out at the library with her classmates and wonders what kind of book she should borrow when she receives her first library card."
- Mike Gets a Library Card and Other Reading Stories by Various Authors
"Mike gets his first library card. Megan and her classmates prepare for story time. Tex and Indi join a summer reading program at their local library. Toby writes a book report and learns that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
