By Susan Fisher, Public Relations Supervisor, Muncie Public Library—
MUNCIE, IN—September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association (ALA) joins Muncie Public Library (MPL) and libraries across the country to remind everyone that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic success and lifelong learning. Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month is celebrated each September to coincide with the beginning of the school year. A library card can be the most important back to school item in a student’s backpack.
Libraries are also a resource for people of all ages to find what they need to transform their quality of life. Libraries are the centers of their communities, places where people of all ages and backgrounds can find and freely use a variety of resources such as books, DVDs, databases, and technology, all under the expert guidance of librarians and technology tutors.
Today’s libraries expand beyond their traditional roles, providing more opportunities for community engagement and delivering services that connect closely with community needs. According to Laura Geesy, MPL Circulation Manager, MPL serves the citizens of Muncie and Delaware County. Those who live or own property within the Center Township taxing district support MPL through their tax dollars. Those living in Mount Pleasant Township and who have a library card in good standing at Yorktown Library can get a reciprocal card that is good for one year. Others can purchase an annual card for a fee of $57. “One important thing to know about MPL is that a library card is never needed to attend programs, story times, or events,” said Geesy. “Our doors are open to everyone.” Geesy then shared some of the most common questions and answers about getting a library card.
- What should a person have with them to get a library card from MPL?
A. A photo ID with the correct address is required for adults. If the address isn’t correct, then a photo ID with a piece of business mail, such as a utility bill showing the correct address, will be accepted. For children’s cards, the parent or guardian must provide the child’s birth certificate or social security card, as well as their own photo ID with correct address. The parent or guardian must also be a cardholder in good standing. - MPL partners with Muncie Community Schools (MCS), MOMs, and Burris to provide special READ cards to all students. How does a parent or caregiver make sure their student can get a card?
A. Parents or guardians must select opt in when registering their MCS student. If they did not opt in at registration, they should contact the school to do so. MOMs recognizes the MCS opt in for any cards issued at MOMs. Burris students are automatically issued a READ card. - Can Ball State University and Muncie Ivy Tech students and faculty get library cards?
A. Yes. BSU and Muncie Ivy Tech students and faculty can show their student and faculty cards at any MPL branch to be issued a library card that is good for one year. - What’s new at MPL?
A. MPL recently added RFID (radio frequency identification) check out units at Kennedy Library and Maring-Hunt Library. These machines allow customers to scan their library card and place up to five items on the scanner to be checked out automatically. The new check out units make checking out books and other media quicker and easier.
According to Geesy, another new service at MPL is online registration for new cards and card renewal. “This became a necessity during the pandemic when in-person registration wasn’t possible,” she said. For more information about getting a library card or to find out about special events and programs, visit any MPL branch or the library website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org.
