Our Children's Library Card

08/23/22

Come sign up for the Fox Card….our  Summit County Library Card for children starting during Library Card Sign-up Month in September!

I often talk to people about the part libraries play in their childhoods. The story that stands out for many is of early visits to the local library and the excitement of receiving a library card – all of your own. At the Summit County Library, we are making the possibility of a personal library card for children a reality as we launch the new Children’s Library Card during Library Card Sign-up Month in September. You may have participated in our preparations for the launch by voting for the favorite card design. There was a clear winner; the new children’s card will feature a fox and a bird, the epitome of Summit County. The design was inspired by artist Carrie Tomaschko of Sweet Melody Design, who kindly permitted us to use her artwork.

Apart from the sheer joy of reading, there are sound reasons to accompany your child to the library and help them sign up for their first card.

There is no doubt that libraries play an essential role in creating life-long readers and book lovers. Although much has changed for children with access to mobile screens and instant entertainment, feeling at home in a library and selecting special books to read, remains a magic experience from one generation to the next. While childhood has changed considerably, children’s needs have not.

It is a fact that children, who visit libraries and choose their books, read more. Reading, it turns out, helps in brain development, as foundational language and literacy skills are developed in the early years. Reading is an essential ingredient for success once children are in school.

A visit to the library is an opportunity to explore new ideas and authors. There is no downside to browsing the stacks for interesting finds and carrying home a pile of books to try out. The welcoming nature of libraries and helpful suggestions from librarians, extend a child’s reading horizons. This inevitably leads to more time reading and greater pleasure in books.

Owning a library card teaches young library patrons responsibility and notions of sharing and care. When a child checks out a book on their library card, they feel responsible. They are a trusted member of the library community. It is an important rite of passage worth celebrating.

Since September 16, 2019 the Summit County Library has been welcoming many new library cardholders from birth to 18 and wishing them joy in a lifetime of books and reading.

Please check out the FAQ page for more information and sign up for a Children's card online.

-Stephanie Ralph, Summit County Library Director