A Library Card for Every Child

Today I encountered a little boy (about nine years old) who did not have a library card. This boy was so excited about being at the library and looking at books and using the computers. However, he was disappointed to learn that without a library card, he would not be able to take books home with him or use the Internet computers, which require a library card to log in. He was at the library without his parents, so he was absolutely unable to get a card that day. I have seen this boy at a library a few times in the past, and have never seen a parent with him, so I am inclined to doubt that we will see Mom or Dad with him anytime soon without some major wheedling on his part.

I like to think that the parents of a child so young would know where their son is spending his time, even if he is on his own. So why is it that this boy does not have a library card? Why would you come to the library if you didn't have full access to everything the library has to offer?

Getting a library card is very easy in most places. Most libraries simply require that you fill out a brief application and show a form of identification or proof of address. This is simply so that library employees can keep track of exactly where materials are after they are checked out. All in all, obtaining a library card should take no more than about fifteen minutes of your time.

Once you have a library card, you have the ability to take home books, movies, music, and at some libraries games. Library cards are often also required for using library computers. The library is certainly open to the public and people are more than welcome to simply read at the library without taking items home. However, having the option to take materials home means that your child's opportunities to read become unlimited. Obtaining a library card also can give children a great sense of responsibility, because once they check something out on their card, they are responsible for taking care of the item and returning it on time. It also gives children a certain amount of ownership over the items they have selected, making the materials seem more enjoyable since they checked them out.

And just think - the library offers all of these opportunities for free, in exchange for your home address, phone number, a form of ID, and the promise that items will be returned in a timely manner. That's a pretty great deal no matter where you are.

As far as I am concerned, there is simply no good reason not to have a library card. It is my hope that other parents will agree that having his card is a key to learning about the world around you as well as a host of entertainment. Parents, if you have not done so already, please make sure that your child has his or her own card so that he or she can take full advantage of the resources available at your library.