Daily Journal staff reports
In celebration of National Library Card Sign-Up month, the Johnson County Public Library is aiming its efforts to the get the county’s littlest readers their first library cards.
The library has begun a Joe Cool-themed push to get 100 percent of Johnson County kindergartners signed up for their own library cards this school year. The library sent out more than 1,500 applications to schools to get kindergartners signed up. Last year’s drive — aimed at all K-5 students — brought in 2,604 new library card applications.
“This year we added a new program — the library Star Program where not only are we trying to get them their cards but encouraging them to use them. If they come to the library three times from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 they get a prize each time they come in,” said Jennifer Baltz, marketing and communications manager.
“We want kids to know that their library card is their most important school supply, and it gives you access to all sorts of library resources like library databases and electronics — all free with the library card.”
The library also is pushing to sign up adults with prize drawings. Library staff will be at several upcoming fall festivals such as the Franklin farmers market and the Bargersville Harvest Moon Festival on Sept. 19. Friends of the Johnson County Public Library will give away books at the events.
