It’s the pass to learning and exploration, access to books, audiobooks, movies, WiFi hotspots, musical instruments and so much more. Each September, the Christian County Library collaborates with elementary, middle and high schools across the county to host a library card drive during National Library Card Sign-Up Month.
The goal? To increase library access for the families of Christian County.
Throughout the month, library card applications were delivered to Christian County school teachers and librarians and passed out to students who chose to participate. The applications were then taken home, completed by a parent or guardian, returned to the schools, and collected for processing.
The big question is, which schools had the highest percentage of new library card sign-ups for 2024? Mathews Elementary, in Nixa, had the highest rate of students followed closely by Espy Elementary, also in Nixa, and Clever Elemiddle.
“My favorite thing was taking the library cards to the students in their classrooms. They acted as if they had just won the lottery,” said Emalie Lindsey, librarian at Mathews Elementary, as she accepted a $300 check sponsored by the Christian County Friends of the Library. Espy Elementary and Clever Elemiddle also received funds to purchase new library materials.
Honorable mentions must go to the following preschools: Spokane Little Owls, Nixa Early Learning Center and Clever Pre-K. Each was gifted money from the Friends of the Library for participating.
➡️ Become a lifelong learner.
Public libraries provide educational resources and services for people of all ages. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps and technology classes to the expertise of staff members who care, a library card is one of the most cost-effective ways to become a lifelong learner.
This time of year, we want to remind parents, caregivers, and students of the importance of a library card as one of the first steps toward academic achievement and lifelong learning. If you live, own property, or attend school in Christian County, you’re eligible for a free library card, so stop by any community branch today to discover something new!