The Park Ridge Library is celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month in September with a month-long campaign and prize drawing, this time with a special Park Ridge tie. Every adult who signs up for a card – and any adult who refers them – will be entered to win one of ten prize bags filled with items from Park Ridge businesses, including Triple Scoop’d, TeaLula and Raffia – including Park Ridge-themed home goods by Park Ridge artist Megan Steffen and her Dishique studio. Everyone who signs up will get a welcome kit and the entry ticket when they pick up their card in person.

All patrons under 18 who sign up get a Library drawstring bag and other small prizes, and they can have their parent or caregiver take their photo on the Library “red carpet” throughout September.

“We love giving someone their first Park Ridge Library card, whether it’s their first card ever, they just moved to town, or they’re just trying out the Library for the first time,” said Patron Services Manager Anastasia Rachmaciej. “Having a library card, and using the library, is a big part of being in a community, and we’re really happy to be able to help people do that.”

Library cards are issued to all Park Ridge residents free of charge. To obtain a library card, residents should bring proof of residency with their current home address (driver's license, state ID card, checkbook, utility bill or lease) to the Patron Services Desk in the Library’s first floor lobby. Cards are valid for three years. Every card also comes with a keychain-sized card, and cardholders with a smartphone can download the Keyring app to check out books directly from their phone.

Residents can also sign up for a card online through the Library website at https://www.parkridgelibrary.org/library-cards/

About Library Card Sign-up Month

There is nothing more empowering than signing up for a library card. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions.

Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help and GED classes, helping transform lives and communities through education. The Park Ridge Public Library offers a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including book discussions, financial literacy and small business support, cooking and crafting programs and early literacy resources for parents and caregivers.

The Park Ridge Library, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. The Park Ridge Library also reaches out to adults who may be new to the community or who may want to renew their library card and rediscover all it has to offer.