Library Card Sign-Up Month: Your Gateway to Knowledge and Resources
A library card is more than just a piece of plastic; it's your key to a world of information, entertainment, and educational opportunities. Whether you're a student, a researcher, or simply looking for a good book, a library card can provide you with countless benefits. From borrowing books and movies to accessing online databases and attending events, there are countless ways to use your library card to enrich your life. In recognition of National Library Card Sign-Up month, here are some of the things you can do with your library card.
Collections
Check out a book – for study, entertainment, learning a new recipe, and more…
Check out a movie on DVD or
Blu-ray – Reserve new titles, old titles and all the favorites in between
Check out a CD – Yes, we still have those
- Check out a Chromebook or Hotspot – Need internet at home? Borrow a hotspot for up to 21 days
- Start a book club – We have a variety of book club kits available for check out.
- Take an exam or interview virtually - Check out a Chromebook to use in one of our study rooms or to take home
- Borrow a book we don’t have – Borrow through Interlibrary Loan Services or InfoPass through a network of academic and law libraries. Ask staff for assistance.
- Log on to LibraryNow to connect to digital resources for kids 24/7
- Access our online resources – Use a Computer to connect to the internet
Databases
Hands-free listening – Explore MPL's digital collection for eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, and more!
At home book checkout – Download Libby or Hoopla, and borrow a book without ever leaving home
- Host an Impromptu Movie Night - Stream movies with the Kanopy and Hoopla apps
- Catch up on the news – we have multiple digital new resources to choose from such as, 19th Century U.S. newspapers, Washington Post, New York Times and NewspaperARCHIVE
- Start a family tree – Do an online ancestry search
- Start a business – Use one or all of these Gale Subscriptions to start, improve or grow your own business: Gale Business Demographics, Gale Business Planner, Gale Courses or stop by the Central Library Business Commons for in-person assistance and free programs
- Learn a new Language – Apps like Transparent Language Online, Mango Languages and Pronunciator are available for second (or third) language learners
- Stream and download music - Download 5 Songs per week and stream music with the Freegal app
- Search for federal case law - with Fastcase
- Prepare for the US Citizenship test - ProCitizen US Citizenship Preparation and learn about MPL's many Refugee and Immigrant Services
As Always...No library card is needed to do these things. They’re available to all who use the library!
Free programming - Attend a library program like a storytime, book club or crafting program. There is something for all ages. Sign up for the weekly eEnewsletter!
- Free resources - Resource tables and information sessions by various organizations
- LibraryCorps - after school homework help and activity at each branch
- Book a study room - Study with classmates or take a test
- Book a conference room - Host a training session or work meeting for your colleagues