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CHICAGO — Since 1987, has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs-up for their own library card. Throughout the school year, public librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers save hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs, educational apps, and in-person and virtual homework help to technology workshops and the expertise of librarians, a library card opens up a world of learning and is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.

“During economic shifts, libraries help to foster resilience in the community by providing resources to support patrons in their creative and entrepreneurial endeavors,” said ¾«¶«´«Ã½President Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada. “A library card offers a wide range of opportunities for the community to find its voice and passion. I encourage everyone to up for a card at your local library and explore the resources and services that are available.”

This year, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, will serve as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month. As honorary chairs, Idina and Cara will remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. And during Library Card Sign-Up Month 2022, they want everyone to explore all the library has to offer.

"It's a little card that goes a loud way,” said Idina Menzel. “Let your imagination sing at the library."

Also in September, the sisters’ debut picture book, Loud Mouse, about a little mouse named Dee who loves to sing very loudly, will be released by Disney Hyperion. Posters featuring Dee (aka Loud Mouse) are available for purchase in the . In the coming months, free Library Card Sign-up Month graphics will be made available along with media tools such as a press release template, proclamation, and sample social media posts.

“The library is where your imagination sings,” said Cara Mentzel. “Get your library card and 'check it out' today."

Ways to Celebrate

• Visit your library: Visit your library to see what's new and take part in the celebration. Libraries across the United States are participating. Do you have friends who don't have a library card? Invite them to sign up during September.
• #GetLibraryCarded: It's the most powerful tool in your wallet–show it off! Share a photo of yourself with your library card using the hashtag for the chance to win $100!
  • Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded. Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the . Be sure not to reveal any personal information on your library card, and don't forget to tag your library! The creator of one randomly-selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift and a poster of choice from ¾«¶«´«Ã½Graphics. Three second-place winners will receive their poster of choice from ¾«¶«´«Ã½Graphics. The #GetLibraryCarded promotion begins Thursday, September 1, at noon CT and ends Friday, September 23, at noon CT. All library lovers and librarians are encouraged to participate. The promotion is open to residents of the United States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. ¾«¶«´«Ã½employees are not eligible to participate.

• Help Spread the Word: Follow I Love Libraries on and and the hashtag to join the celebration on social media. Post Library Card Sign-up Month digital graphics on your website or social media accounts.

Library Card Sign-up Month is made possible with support from:

• For 25 years, OverDrive has been on a mission to provide access to compelling, easy-to-use digital materials that reach, engage, and satisfy readers. Since 2002, OverDrive has worked with ¾«¶«´«Ã½member libraries to invest in how libraries lend ebooks and digital audiobooks. In the spirit of continuous improvement and best practices, together with ¾«¶«´«Ã½OverDrive is engaged in library advocacy with publishers and authors to provide fair lending models and costs. Visit to learn more.
• , is the easiest way for schools to provide ebooks and audiobooks to students. Developed by OverDrive Education, this app supports school libraries and classroom reading as well as free access to the local public library using school credentials. Available for iOS, Android and Chromebook.
• OverDrive's free is the easiest way to get started with digital books, audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. Libby is available for Android, iOS, Windows 10, and some Chromebooks.
• support ALA’s efforts in raising public awareness about the value of libraries and librarians.

About the ¾«¶«´«Ã½

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all.

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