The value of today’s libraries goes beyond books. Librarians are leaders in their communities — helping people of any age to find what they need to help improve their quality of life. This September, Demopolis Public Library is joining with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-up Month, an initiative to make sure that every student has the most important school supply of all — a free library card.

Libraries build a foundation for children’s future success starting from the earliest stages of development. Librarians play a key role in helping children develop the basic tools for school readiness by teaching families the components of early literacy. As of 2010, children’s programs accounted for nearly two thirds of library programming in the United States, with more than 2.3 million children’s programs nationwide. Older students can also find tools for success at their local libraries, where they can access high-speed Internet and digital tools, as well as working with trained professionals on how best to use these resources.

As new technologies evolve, libraries continue to lead the way in providing equity of access to digital tools and media, which has become increasingly important in high-poverty areas where students are less likely to have a computer or internet service at home. Close to 90 percent of libraries offer digital literacy training to help students of all ages navigate today’s changing world.

Resources at the Demopolis Public Library are available to anyone with a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and knowledgeable library staff that support academic achievement.  Learning Express Library is a free resource that can help students of all ages improve their writing, math, and reading skills. It provides free practice tests for the ACT, ASVAB, GRE, PRAXIS, GMAT, and more. It also provides free practice tests for occupation exams like cosmetology, civil service, CDL, nursing, real estate, and more.

Homework Alabama offers FREE online tutoring and academic resources from Tutor.com for Alabama residents from kindergarten students through college, plus adult learners. Get help in math, science, English, social studies or writing from a live tutor. Tutors are available 3p.m. – 10 p.m., seven days per week. The Tutor.com SkillsCenter Resource Library is available 24/7. The services can be accessed from an Alabama public library, from your home computer or from your mobile device. Online tutors are available to help navigate job sites, complete applications, write/review resumes and cover letters and even practice for an interview. You can take a career assessment, search job openings and download resume samples and templates on the 24/7 SkillsCenter Resource Library.

In 2016, library card users at the Demopolis Public Library received a total value of $818,895 from using their library cards! With a library card you can have access to over 30,000 items in our collection. You can check out books, audiobooks, DVD’s, music CD’s and more! You can also use your library card to download eBooks and audiobooks from our digital library. If you would like to learn more about downloading and using our digital library, we are offering a free eBook class on Tuesday, October 10 at Noon. The Friends of the Library will provide a free pizza lunch. Call 334.289.1595 to sign up. The class will last 1 hour and include time for questions and one on one help.

For more information about how to sign up for a library card, visit the Demopolis Public Library in person or visit our website at www.demopolislibrary.info.

— Morgan Allen is librarian at the Demopolis Public Library. She may be reached at morgan.grimes@demopolisal.gov.