Back to school: Get that library card ready
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. 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, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.
I encourage you to go to the Salem Public Library website, (www.salemva.gov) and explore the wealth of information available using your library card without ever having to step into the library building. Don’t forget to come into the library to see our great collection of books too. Future columns will focus on educating the public on everything the library offers.
Reading Challenges
Participate in new Salem Public Library reading challenges for all ages on www.Beanstack.org available through the Internet or an APP on your cell phone. Create an account for one family member and add individual profiles of other family members to track progress for each in the same place and win prizes. Make sure you choose the Salem Public Library as your library as these challenges are specific to our library. Please call the library at 540-375-3089 or come in person if you have questions about registering.
- Fall into Fall: Babies and Toddlers through 2nd grade; Sept. 1-30
- Nasa’s Artemis Project: To the Moon, Stars and Beyond: 3rd through 12th grades; Sept. 1-30
- Stack ‘Em Up Challenge: 3rd through 12th grades; Sept.-Nov. 30
- Banned Books Reading Challenge: 9th grade through adult; Sept. 1-Oct. 31.
-Benita VanCleave