Potomac Library Works to Increase Cardholders During Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month in Montgomery County, and the Potomac Library is doing its part to increase the number of people who sign up for cards.

This month, the Potomac Library posted flyers in the building reminding library users of the benefits of a card.

"We always encourage people to get a library card because you need it to do everything," said Potomac librarian Lindsey Hundt.

Library cards are not only necessary to check out books, but they are also needed to access Montgomery County's library database and to use the free Internet at the libraries, Hundt said.

Library Card Sign-up Month, now in its 23rd year, is an initiative through the American Library Association and libraries across the country as a way to involve younger readers.

Now, libraries across the county host different events to engage children and develop an interest in reading. The Potomac Library hosts "Cuddleups," storytime for babies from birth to 11 months old; toddler storytime for children 12 months old to 36 months old and preschool storytime for 3 to 5 year olds.

Older children can get involved in the Potomac Library through puppet shows and an Oct. 23 laser show at the library.

Getting a library card is easy, Hundt said. All it takes is a valid ID or proof of address, such as a monthly bill, to verify your residency in Montgomery County. Library users can sign up online or at a branch library.

The Potomac Library stays busy all year long. According to their records, the library signed up 229 new patrons during the month of July, and 34,980 items were checked out from the library in July.

Librarian Amy Chen said the library has been busy this month signing up new patrons, but they sign up a fair amount of new patrons all year round.