What’s in the Cards this Fall?
2025 Library Card Sign-up Month
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a nationwide celebration that highlights just how important a library card can be. This year’s theme is “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” which perfectly captures the many opportunities libraries provide for learning, connection, and community growth.
A library card is more than a ticket to borrow books; it unlocks a world of resources. With a single card, you can get access to technology, Wi-Fi, streaming services, museum passes, career resources, and programs for all ages. Your local library provides a gateway for people of every age to discover, explore, or pursue their interests, passions, and dreams.
The American Library Association (ALA) offers free materials to help libraries promote Library Card Sign-up Month. Their Check Out Your Library campaign provides everything from social media graphics and posters to bookmarks in English and Spanish, press release templates, and guides for creating community programs.
Ways to Promote Library Sign-up Month
Library Card Sign-up Month is the perfect time to re-engage with your library’s patrons, both old and new. If you are looking for new ideas to attract community members, here are some effective ways:
- Partnering with local businesses to offer special discounts or perks for showing a library card.
- Partner with schools and educators to introduce students to library services. Consider offering special library cards for students through your local school system.
- Host library card sign-up tables at farmers’ markets, community centers, and local events.
- Create social media posts that highlight your library’s offerings and run contests to encourage members to share their cards.
- Collaborate with local influencers or community leaders to spread the word about special events at your local library. For example, many libraries hold library card artwork contests and offer new cards annually with the winners' artwork.
- Secure a city or county proclamation about Library Card Sign-up Month using the ALA sample proclamation.
This annual tradition has been celebrated every September since 1987, when Secretary of Education William Bennett encouraged every child to have their own library card. Decades later, it continues to remind communities of the library’s immense value.
At PermaCard, we are proud to support libraries by creating high-quality custom library cards and designs. We help libraries showcase their unique brand and create cards that community members are proud to carry.