Have you given any thought to your library card lately? This September is the perfect opportunity to renew your relationship with the small piece of plastic that hopefully resides in your purse or pocket (or on your phone!) alongside your other daily essentials: It's National Library Card Signup Month!
If you do have a card with us at Hinsdale Public Library, you are in good company - two-thirds of Americans report having a card. That's more library patrons than at any point in history! Our fellow patrons visit more than 16,000 individual public libraries; in fact, there are more libraries in the U.S. than Starbucks! Together, they visit the library hundreds of millions of times per year and check out nearly 2 billion items annually.
Hinsdale might represent just a small sliver of that national picture, but we punch above our weight in terms of what our cards offer.
Anyone with a library card can visit and check out books, movies, and magazines, but only Hinsdale cardholders are able to access all these items digitally. When you download the Libby, Hoopla or Kanopy apps to your devices, you can log in with your card number and start checking out.
You also have exclusive use of our "Library of Things," which includes items like hotspots, projectors, a portable speaker - even a Birding Kit perfect for this fall's migration. Our Kindles are pre-loaded with more than 100 popular titles.
Your HPL card allows you to do more than check out items: You can use it to read newspapers from your computer or phone, reserve a room or borrow passes to nearby museums and attractions. Try out MasterClass or Udemy Courses to stay sharp or learn a new skill. Study for standardized tests like the ACT, AP courses and different licensing exams using Peterson's Test Prep. Reserve a study room to guarantee yourself a few hours to focus. The list goes on!
We have plenty of options for families. Curiosity kits are available for hands-on learning and discovery. When children are ready, they can check out the Geology Kit, Engineering Kit or build a Marble Run.
Younger children might take advantage of our early literacy kits to learn about colors, shapes and letters. Children who like to listen as they read can check out devices that do just that. Launchpad tablets loaded with math exercises, word games, and puzzles are on shelf. If you're planning a long road trip and worried about keeping everyone entertained, you might look into our portable DVD player.
This is just some of what a card at Hinsdale Public Library will get you. To apply online or to learn how to get your card in person, visit http://www.hinsdalelibrary.info/get-a-card. You can also give us a call or pay us a visit to check on the status of your account or ask questions.
One of my greatest joys in working at the library's front desk is welcoming new patrons, explaining all that we offer and helping them follow their interests and passions to new places. I just love being surrounded by enthusiasm for learning and discovery. And I'd love for you to be the next person to share that experience with me!
- Stacia Miksys is the patron services assistant manager at the Hinsdale Public Library.
