Back to School: Notebooks, Pencils, Glue and a Library Card

A library card is one of the best cards you will ever have and belongs on every school supply list. It costs nothing to sign up for and it provides access to thousands of books, media, periodicals and other resources. What a deal!

To sign up you must be a resident of Milwaukee County and must bring in identification to prove that. Your driver’s license with a current address works great. If that is not available, a photo ID and some other kind of official document with your name and address on it will work. You may get started on the process yourself if you want by going to the Milwaukee Coutnty libraries website and following the instructions. When you come to the , stop by the circulation desk where you check out materials and someone will help you. They will also explain our policies and give you some general information about the library.

Getting their very first library card is a big treat for children. Children can get their own cards as soon as they can write their own first and last name all by themselves (a good incentive!). However, they do need to bring a parent along to provide identification if they are under 15. Teens who are older than 15, but do not have their driver’s license yet, can use a school photo ID and a class schedule, report card, or some other document that includes their current address.

Young children who sign up for a library card get to choose one of our brand new books to sign out. We will add a bookplate indicating that they checked it out with their new library card. Children feel good about having their own cards and often present them proudly as they check out materials. It is also a good way to start teaching responsibility.

Once you have a card, the doors to all sorts of opportunities open. With your card you may check out materials from any library in the Milwaukee Public Library System. That includes thousands of titles of books, videos, magazines, sound recordings and computer games. Imagine how helpful that will be for reports or for finding that nugget of information you are searching for.

It is easy. It does not cost a thing. There is no excuse. Why not do it today!