Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs-up for their own library card.
Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.
Remember, public libraries aren't just for the kids! Parents and Grandparents should sign up for their own library cards as well!
LIBRARY CARDS IN COLORADO
Did you know that you can sign up for a library card from ANY library district as long as you have a valid ID and a Colorado address? I had no idea. Here's what I found out! You can sign up online, but your card may be temporary and will have limited access. For a permanent card, bring your ID and proof of Colorado address into one of the branches. You will receive a physical card and gain full access to all the library has to offer. Below is a list of library districts in the Denver Metro Area linked to each site to sign up for your cards. If you want access to all of the library districts listed you will have to sign up for each one.
- Anythink Libraries - No online registration.
- Arapahoe County Libraries - eCard doesn't expire but provides limited access to library offerings.
- Aurora Public Libraries - Virtual library card doesn't expire but only provides access to the virtual library.
- Denver Public Libraries - eCard card expires 4 years after signing up and only allows access to online offerings.
- Douglas County Libraries - Online registration, no expiration date listed.
- Englewood Library - Temporary number expires one month after signing up.
- Jefferson County Public Libraries - Temporary card expires 3 weeks after signing up.
- Littleton Public Library - Online cards expire 6 months after signing up.
MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
All of the library districts listed above offer so much more than just books! You can also check out DVDs, stream movies and audio books, use computers and printers, reserve rooms etc. They also offer a full calendar of events for babies through adults, including but not limited to, storytimes, tax help, immigration assistance, family movies, art classes, book clubs, and study groups.
What's my favorite thing the libraries offer? The FREE passes to museums and cultural centers. Whether it's called Adventure Pass, Culture Pass or Exploration Pass, I call it AWESOME! Below is a list of venues that you can get passes for through the library.
- American Museum of Western Art
- Butterfly Pavilion
- Center for Colorado Women's History
- Clyfford Still Museum
- Colorado Railroad Museum
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Firefighters Museum
- Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Dinosaur Ridge
- Denver Trolley
- Forney Museum of Transportation
- Four Mile Historic Park
- History Colorado Center
- Molly Brown House Museum
- Museo de las Americas
- Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
- Newman Center Music and Theater Tickets
- Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Not all library districts offer passes to all locations. Please check with each library district to determine the venues they have passes for and how to sign up for the passes.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Libraries are still quiet places.
- If you're looking to check out a high demand item (new book or movie) reserve it in your online account and you will be put on the waitlist.
- Bring a bag or two to carry all of the books you're going to check out. They are HEAVY!
- Most events at the library require you to register.
- Note the return date of the items you checked out. They may not all be the same! I put the due dates on my Google calendar.
- Libraries do charge late fees!
Most importantly bring your sense of wonder, imagination, and eagerness to learn! The possibilities are endless!
