Libraries Make a Difference ... Every. Day.

It's been a great week at the Library! Most weeks are great, but this week included a couple of special events I really enjoyed.

On Tuesday, staff from ICPL and other area public libraries were at the Johnson County Board of Supervisors meeting where the Supervisors voted on a proclamation declaring September "Library Card Sign-up Month" in Johnson County. The photo with all the people was taken after members of the Board of Supervisors shared stories about how libraries have made a difference in their lives. Indeed, our area public libraries make a difference in our community every day.

On Tuesday night, members of the Iowa City City Council also proclaimed September as "Library Card Sign-up Month" in Iowa City. We appreciate the ongoing support from our City Council and recognition of the importance of Iowa City Public Library in our community.

Just before the City Council meeting, Library staff were at the Iowa City Community School District Ice Cream Socials at our elementary schools sharing information about the Library and helping children and their family members sign-up for Library Cards. We firmly believe a Library Card is one of the most important back-to-school supplies for students.

If you don't have a Library Card, or know someone who doesn't have a card, sign-up is easy at www.icpl.org/cards or in person at the Downtown Library Help Desk or on the Bookmobile. A picture ID and proof of current Iowa address is needed to get a Library Card.

Although the Bookmobile wasn't in service this week, staff were busy preparing for the Fall Bookmobile Schedule that begins next week. Bookmobile information, including details about the Fall Schedule, is available at www.icpl.org/bookmobile. The Bookmobile had some warranty work done this week. When we picked it up, it was like reuniting with a friend we haven't seen for a few days. We're looking forward to being out on the road again next week!

At our Help Desk meeting today we celebrated that students are back in school and reflected on our summer. Overall, it was a great summer! Circulation is up, more Holds are being placed, we offered great programs for people of all ages, and we set some records for Summer Library Program participation.

And finally, I ended the week with a friend sending me a wonderful post about Libraries from Read it Forward called 13 Reasons Why Libraries are Holding Us All Together.

My favorite quote from this article? "Signing your name for your first library card is the first right of passage into being an active member of society."

Three cheers for Libraries and Library Cards and the difference libraries make in our community every day.