Readers, rejoice! September is here.

The month of September is celebrated as National Literacy Month. Whether you enjoy the feel and smell of a physical book or indulge in audiobooks, your time has come. Whether you enjoy getting lost in a fantasy world, falling head over heels in a romance or learning more about historical events or your favorite public figure, books can help you get there.

While reading and literacy are important for every age, it is especially important to start the appreciation of reading early.

“By getting books in the hands of kids, you can help engage these young readers in their learning and help them see how school, community and the world beyond are connected,” according to the Pennsylvania State Education Association. “That is one way that parents, educators and other caring adults join forces to meet the needs of the whole child.”

The easiest way to explore a wide range of books is to make use of your local library. Libraries usually have a variety of programming and clubs for children, teens and adults. Come for the events, stay for the books - or vice versa.

Luckily for readers in Lehigh and Carbon counties, the Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative connects 12 local libraries and allows them to expand their collections by working cooperatively. Patrons can request books or place holds on books from any of the 12 libraries and even have them delivered to their home library.

The 12 member libraries are Whitehall Township Public Library, Coplay Public Library, Public Library of Catasauqua, Dimmick Memorial Library, Emmaus Public Library, Lehighton Area Memorial Library, Lower Macungie Library, Palmerton Area Library, Parkland Community Library, Penn Kidder Library, Slatington Library and Southern Lehigh Public Library.

Coplay Public Library, 49 S. Fifth St., is encouraging everyone to participate in Library Card Sign-Up Month, which is also in September. Everyone stopping by to sign up for a new card or updating the information on their current card will receive a special treat.

Whitehall Township Public Library, 3700 Mechanicsville Road, is holding a book sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 22 and 23.

If you’re like me and enjoy being surrounded by your own personal library, Buy a Book Day is celebrated Sept. 7. Patronize your local independent book shops or larger suppliers like Barnes and Noble.

If you’re too busy to get out to a brick-and-mortar store, you can always buy your books online. I enjoy using bookshop.org. Not only does it have a wide selection of titles, it helps give back to support independent bookstores.

“We believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity and a love of reading, and we’re committed to helping them thrive,” the website states. “Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. Our platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.”

It has raised more than $27 million since 2020.

The love and appreciation for reading are worldwide. International Literacy Day is celebrated Sept. 8.

According to UNESCO, “Since 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and to advance the literacy agenda toward a more literate and sustainable society.”

To further the celebrations, Indigenous Literacy Day is celebrated Sept. 6 in Australia.

To all of you book worms out there, grab a new or your favorite book and settle in to enjoy your September.

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press