National Library Card Sign-up Month
September 1 - September 30
About National Library Card Sign-up Month
National Library Card Sign-up Month takes place every September, led by the American Library Association (ALA) to remind families that a library card is one of the most valuable tools a child can have as they head back to school. Since 1987, the campaign has worked to connect millions of Americans, especially children, with the free resources available at their local public library.
What is National Library Card Sign-up Month?
National Library Card Sign-up Month is an annual campaign, held every September, that encourages families, students, and communities to sign up for library cards and make use of the enormous range of free resources public libraries provide. Organised by the American Library Association, the month targets the back-to-school period as the optimal time for children to establish the library habit. Library cards provide access not only to physical books but also to e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines, online databases, educational programmes, and community events, all at no cost to cardholders within the library’s service area. The campaign is backed by libraries of all sizes across the United States, from major urban systems to small rural branches.
When is National Library Card Sign-up Month?
National Library Card Sign-up Month runs throughout September 2026, from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September 2026. It is held annually every September to coincide with the return to school.
Why National Library Card Sign-up Month Matters
In the United States, public libraries serve as one of the last genuinely universal public resources, open to all regardless of income, background, or education level. Yet research consistently shows that many eligible residents, particularly children from lower-income households, do not hold a library card. The ALA campaign exists to close this gap. Studies show that children who use libraries regularly are more likely to develop strong reading habits, perform better academically, and sustain a lifelong interest in learning. Beyond books, modern public libraries provide internet access, job search resources, language learning programmes, and safe spaces for children and teenagers after school. Signing up for a library card is not just about borrowing books; it opens a door to a community resource that can genuinely change outcomes. For a related September celebration of reading, National Read a Book Day on 6 September provides the perfect companion occasion.
How to Get Involved in National Library Card Sign-up Month
Participating is easy, free, and immediately rewarding:
- Sign up for a library card – If you or a family member does not have one, visit your local library branch or check if your library offers online registration. Most libraries issue cards on the spot, free of charge, to residents of their service area.
- Help a child sign up – Children under 18 typically need a parent or guardian to complete their registration. Take a child to the library this September and let them choose their first books as cardholders.
- Explore everything the card unlocks – Many people do not realise that a library card provides access to digital platforms like Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and PressReader, giving access to e-books, films, audiobooks, and thousands of newspapers and magazines.
- Attend a library event – September is one of the busiest months for library programming. Check your local library’s calendar for author talks, children’s story time, coding workshops, job clubs, and other free events.
- Donate books or volunteer – Many libraries accept donations of gently used books or welcome volunteers to help with reading programmes, shelving, and community events.
- Share on social media – Post a photo of your library card and encourage your followers to get one too. Tag your local library to amplify the message and show community support.
- Advocate for library funding – Library budgets are often under pressure. Write to your local representative or council member expressing support for library funding, and remind them of the resources libraries provide to the community.
History of National Library Card Sign-up Month
National Library Card Sign-up Month began in 1987, sparked by a statement from William Bennett, the then US Secretary of Education, who challenged the nation: “Let’s have a campaign. Every child should obtain a library card and use it.” The American Library Association took up the challenge immediately, partnering with the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS) and securing an $85,000 grant from the Reader’s Digest Foundation to launch the campaign.
The first Library Card Sign-up Month was held in 1987, and in 1988 it moved to September, where it has remained ever since, aligning the campaign with the start of the new school year. Over the decades, the campaign has evolved significantly. In its early years, it focused almost entirely on physical library cards and book borrowing. As digital resources expanded through the 1990s and 2000s, the campaign began to highlight the full range of library services, including internet access, online databases, and digital lending platforms.
Today, Library Card Sign-up Month is one of the ALA’s flagship annual campaigns, supported by thousands of library systems, schools, and community organisations. The ALA recruits celebrity spokespeople each year, with notable past participants including authors, athletes, and public figures who have spoken about the transformative role libraries played in their own lives and education.
Noteworthy Facts About National Library Card Sign-up Month
- National Library Card Sign-up Month began in 1987, sparked by a challenge from the US Secretary of Education William Bennett.
- The campaign moved to September in 1988, where it has remained, aligning with the back-to-school period.
- The original 1987 campaign was funded by an $85,000 grant from the Reader’s Digest Foundation.
- A library card provides access not only to physical books but also to thousands of e-books, audiobooks, films, and digital magazines via platforms like Libby and Hoopla.
- Public libraries in the United States collectively offer more than 17,000 branch locations, serving every county in the country.
- In most US library systems, cards are completely free to residents of the library’s service area, with borrowing privileges granted immediately upon registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Library Card Sign-up Month?
National Library Card Sign-up Month is an annual September campaign led by the American Library Association to encourage families and individuals to sign up for library cards and access the full range of free resources their local public library provides.
When is National Library Card Sign-up Month in 2026?
National Library Card Sign-up Month runs throughout September 2026, from 1 September to 30 September 2026.
How do I get a library card?
Visit your local public library branch with proof of your address and a form of identification. Most libraries issue cards on the spot at no charge. Many library systems also offer online registration, allowing you to access digital resources immediately while your physical card is prepared.
Spread the Word
Help get every child a library card this September. Share National Library Card Sign-up Month using the hashtags #LibraryCardSignUpMonth and #LibraryCardSignUpMonth2026 and tag your local library to show your support. A library card is free, and what it unlocks is priceless.
Related Awareness Days
- National Read a Book Day – Observed on 6 September, this day encourages everyone to set aside time to read for pleasure, making it a perfect companion to Library Card Sign-up Month.
- International Literacy Day – Marked on 8 September, this UNESCO observance highlights literacy as a fundamental human right and a driver of social change.
- International School Library Month – Observed throughout October, this month celebrates school libraries and the role they play in learning and literacy.
Links
- Library Card Sign-up Month – American Library Association
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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