Read any good books lately?

Now’s your chance to browse entire collections and make your choice of genre.

September is National Library Card Month, an initiative started in 1987 to note the beginning of the school year. Just like kids love the idea of checking out a book at their school libraries, they relish the idea of having their own membership card from their public library. It can give them a sense of responsibility, knowing they’ve been trusted to care for someone’s else property. Responsibility is added as well with having to return the book by the due date.

Libraries come in all sizes, but they all offer the ability to expand your horizons.

The largest library in the world is the U.S. Library of Congress. It houses more than 150 million items - placed on the equivalent of 830 miles of shelving.

The smallest library of record in the world is located in New York. Just one person fits in the building at a time. And that person can choose from a mere 40 books.

Closer to home, our libraries are part of the Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative. Individually, some of them may be small, but together, they are mighty. Having an LCLC card allows library patrons the ability to access collections from 11 libraries across the region. Patrons can reserve books from any of the LCLC libraries and ask that they be sent to the library nearest them.

Participating LCLC libraries include Public Library of Catasauqua, Coplay Public Library, Dimmick Memorial Library, Emmaus Public Library, Lehighton Area Memorial Library, Lower Macungie Library, Palmerton Area Library, Parkland Community Library, Slatington Library, Southern Lehigh Public Library and Whitehall Township Public Library.

If you or your family members don’t have a library card and you’re unsure if it’s something you’d all use, consider this. Just visiting a library can encourage the idea of reading and spark a love of books. Reading helps brain development and encourages creativity. Imagine the “places” your kids can go, just by opening a book.

Libraries also host craft sessions, story times and themed activities, like trivia nights and escape rooms.

Adults can take advantage of craft sessions as well, but there are also book discussion groups, board game nights and presentations on topics ranging from decluttering your home to knowing your rights in the workplace.

And they have computers. Maybe your kids need some help with a homework assignment. Maybe you’d like to finesse your resume and search for another job.

Starting to sound more appealing? You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to get an LCLC card. They’re available at your local library.

Some libraries are even sweetening the deal. For example, Coplay Public Library is giving out marshmallow Peeps, courtesy of Just Born Inc., with a signup or card renewal, while supplies last.

Consider a library card for yourself and your family.

Happy reading!

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press