Did You Know...

. . . that September is National Library Card Sign Up Month? A library card is one of the most important cards to have in your wallet! With it you can access a wealth of free information, services, and resources, both in person at our branches and online. Get a library card and start a life-long learning journey with free access to e-books, e-magazines, audiobooks, online classes, downloadable and streaming music, online articles, test preparation, and so much more! All you need is the most powerful card in your wallet, a library card. Sign up today!


Three students holding a big MCPL library card.
Do you remember getting your first library card? Back when I got my first library card, the requirement was that you had to be able to write your name. As soon as I could, my mom took me to get my first library card. It was a special feeling and privilege to be able to use my own library card to check out picture books. I still remember my favorites like Corduroy and Make Way for Ducklings. Now there's no age limit to getting a library card! Anyone, at any age, can get a library card and start his or her life-long learning journey with free access to e-books, e-magazines, audiobooks, online classes, downloadable and streaming music, online articles, test preparation, and so much more! All you need is the most powerful card in your wallet - a library card!

Want to learn more about what a library card can do for you? Here's a list of 20 free library resources and services that might be new to you.
  1. Explore science themes with your kids by checking out a STEM Go! Kit
  2. Check Consumer Reports from home
  3. Learn to play a musical instrument, sing, or make art through ArtistWorks
  4. Learn a language online
  5. Find a musical score online
  6. Stream one of 250 performances of the world's leading plays
  7. Borrow books from libraries across the country
  8. Prepare for the SAT, LSAT, NCLEX and more
  9. Search your family history with HeritageQuest Online
  10. Take an online technology, business, or creative class with Gale Courses
  11. Download e-books
  12. Start your own business
  13. Download music from Freegal
  14. Renew your materials online
  15. Download audiobooks
  16. Read an e-magazine from home
  17. Discover your next favorite book 
  18. Check out exercise videos
  19. Find articles, encyclopedias, and biographical information for your school project
  20. Put a book on hold online
You can also find engaging programs for you and your children in our Calendar of Events.

Library cards empower their users. So tell your family; tell your friends! Tell us how much your library card means to you by sharing a photo or story in the comments or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest using #MCPLCard. We'll be resharing photos and stories on social media and our website.

There's so much you can do with a library card. Sign up for one today!

Susan