Nassau County, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was recently joined by Library Officials and local elected officials to encourage residents to get carded... library carded! The message comes to promote National Library Card Sign Up month in September and was echoed by Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling and Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams. Fewer residents, especially young people, are utilizing public libraries – missing out on the modern enhancements and benefits that Nassau County now libraries offer.
“A library card is your passport to entire worlds of information, entertainment, and enrichment,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Forget what you know about libraries-- they are no longer just about books – they offer so many free services, rentals, educational tools, workshops and so much more. Get carded today!”
Nassau County’s 54 libraries, offer countless resources beyond the almost 6 million book, video, digital and audio rentals available to card holders. A few of the lesser known benefits of a library membership include free online language classes, rentable cake pans or even borrowing a tie for a job interview. Library programing has also involved to include modern classes including ‘Adulting’ where participants learn ‘basic’ skills like sewing, car care or checkbook balancing. The call to sign up for a library membership also comes as schools start up and libraries and public officials look to remind young residents of all the benefits that are available especially to them – and constantly evolving to fit with the needs of their users.
"The value of your library card increases every day, as Nassau's 54 public libraries bring in new technologies and services to serve our communities - like e-books, 3D printers, passes to museums and parks, video streaming services, cultural events, online tutoring and so much more," said Nassau Library System Director Caroline Ashby.
“Local libraries are integral to our communities. Library membership opens a world of opportunity for success and lifelong learning. For students, a library card is the most important back-to-school supply of all,” said Senator Kevin Thomas. “I encourage everyone to stop by their local library this month, get a library card, and take advantage of all the great resources our libraries have to offer.”
“September is the National Library Card sign-up month. This is such a great month to start this program, when the children are back in school and ready to learn! I encourage everyone in our district to get a library card and use all the resources our wonderful libraries throughout Nassau County have to offer” said Assembly Member Taylor Darling.
"As a new school year begins, this program offers families and children a great opportunity to take advantage of everything our local libraries have to offer,” said Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams. “Our libraries offer more than books, they offer educational and cultural programs, book clubs, and access to computers. I urge everyone to sign up for a library card so they have access to valuable resources that will help them succeed in the classroom.”
"A library card opens a world of possibilities for children families, and this month is the perfect time to get one," said Supervisor Laura Gillen. "Signing up for a library card is an important step in a child’s life and one that comes with a unique sense of independence and exploration. I’d like to thank County Executive Laura Curran and all of our hardworking librarians for their support of this important initiative.”
Nassau County public library cardholders have access to over 6 million items, both physical and digital, in shared library collections. Beyond that they have access to many other benefits including:
- Museum passes
- At-home language learning as well as other online courses, dozens of skills courses, including test preparation and resume preparation
- Musical instruments
- Cake pans
- Seeds for the garden
- Notary Public and Passport application services
- Tech, like laptops, tablets, GoPros, and Rokus
- Tools, like telescopes, bike locks, phone chargers, and travel adapters
- Board games - to borrow and share
- Tie for a job interview
Nassau Public Libraries also offer unique programming including workforce preparedness courses, computer classes, genealogy workshops, defensive driving, parenting workshops, and ‘Adulting’ classes.
For a list of all libraries in Nassau County visit: https://www.nassaulibrary.org/