Why a Library Card (STILL) Matters
Books are still a valuable resource and an important doorway to knowledge and the imagination. In fact, we have 81,831 books just inside your local Chatham Area Public Library! Not to mention, the other 338 libraries with whom we easily share books. Not to mention, if you really want a book and we can’t get it from any of those libraries, we can get it sent here by mail from all over the world! And that’s not even counting the 1,023,927 e-books and e-audiobooks accessible to you through your library. But forget about “just” checking out books…
The library is also about the many actual THINGS you can check out. “What? I never knew the library had these!” We often see and hear people surprised at the CAPL’s “Library of Things”.
These things include technology like: mobile WIFI hotspots (a wireless internet access point that lets you connect devices to the internet wherever you are), laptop computers, Roku streaming for your TV with preloaded channels (Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and ESPN), a digital projector, early education devices called LaunchPads (ages 3-10), and more! Don’t know how to use that? We’re happy to help “coach” you!
The Library of Things also has craft things it may be helpful to borrow, like a sewing machine, a Cricut, and a knitting kit for caregivers.
Expecting a big group for the family get-together? That’s right, we have outdoor games you can borrow, too! Games like yard jenga, giant yard dice, washers, and ladder toss.
If you’re into the outdoors, you can also borrow some fishing poles– both adult and kid sized. Or, we have a hiking kit. Oh, and did we mention, we have a TELESCOPE? Get the stargazing kit, too.
The Library is also about more than books and things (of all kinds) – it’s about services your library offers and true community connection.
Some of the services we offer include:
- Storytimes for kids (morning, evening; for all ages!)
- Crafts (grab&go and in person groups) for kids, teens, and all ages of adults
- Book Clubs (there are a variety!)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Puzzles
- Activities & educational programs
- Weekly Card Games and Game Nights
- Basic Computer/ Technology Literacy classes
To take advantage of all these, you need a library card and getting one is easy. A free library card is available to anyone who lives in Chatham Area Library District. Not sure if you actually have a library card anymore? Or maybe you signed up years ago and lost it! You can find out by stopping in. We’d be more than happy to help!
Ok, so maybe you know all this already. Maybe you use your library card more than your credit card! … Do your friends? September is Library Card Sign Up Month. Help us spread the word about what the library has to offer. Stop in with a friend– if they’re a Chatham resident, all you need is a drivers’ license with a current address– and we can set you up then and there! Persuade your friends to just do the right thing and get a library card, already!