Charleston, SC  - This September, Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) is joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to remind parents, caregivers and students that a library card is the first step toward academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Throughout the month, CCPL will be celebrating this event with a variety of fun and exciting programs (for a full list of September events, visit ccpl.org/calendar). It will also host free giveaways on the library's Instagram (@chascolibrary) for a chance to win some fun prizes. Be sure to stop by your local branch to see how they are celebrating the month as well!

A library card opens a world of infinite possibilities through a variety of resources and services that give communities the tools to succeed. With a library card, you can check out a book or audiobook, download a movie, visit a local attraction or park, learn how to sew, get help writing a resume or finding a job, grow your computer skills, research your family’s history, and so much more, all for FREE!

At CCPL you can check out items beyond books, such as DVDs/Blu-Rays, telescopes, digital magnifiers, hotspots that provide free Wi-Fi, children’s launchpad tablets, Chromebooks, local attraction passes, and more. The library’s access to digital tools is also an invaluable resource. CCPL provides access to more than 50 databases and subscription services. Patrons with a CCPL card number can access resources for free like Consumer Reports, the Mango language learning program, the electronic version of the New York Times, and Learning Express, which provides practice testing for the G.E.D., nursing exams, license exams, and much more.

Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. And did you know that, through a partnership with Charleston County School District, ALL CCSD students already have access to library services? With the L² (L Squared) Program, students are automatically registered for a free account. Visit ccpl.org/l2 or contact your local library for details.

“Libraries are cornerstones of any community,” said CCPL Executive Director Angela Craig. “We are proud to offer equitable services to Charleston County residents that support literacy, workforce development, education, and more. A library card is the key to knowledge, and we encourage all to stop by one of our 18 local libraries and check us out!”

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite in a national effort to encourage people in the community to sign-up for their own library card.

Want a library card of your own, or just want to learn more about what your local library has to offer? Visit ccpl.org, call 843-805-6930, or stop by a CCPL branch near you.