Help for your reluctant reader is at the Library!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Public Library of Enid & Garfield County wants to make sure that everyone in our community, especially every child, has the smartest card of all – a library card. If you have a reluctant reader at your house, this is especially good news as the library has a collection of high interest-low reading level books that can encourage any reader to dive in. The library also offer story times for young children and tubs of hands on activities to stimulate learning & development. Don't miss out on this great resource!

The library will begin issuing new library cards in September, and for the whole month anyone can trade in their old card for FREE and get a new card and keytag combo with a picture of the library on the front. Many people like the convenience of having their library card attached to their key ring, so they always have it with them.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. “A library card has always been the most important school supply of all,” says Jade Powell, public services supervisor at the library.

“Kids can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also play games, check out books and DVDs and use the Internet to help make after school life fun. There’s a lot happening at our library, and the best part for both kids and parents is that it’s all free with a library card.”

Getting a library card is easy. Anyone, regardless of place of residence, can obtain a library card by presenting a picture ID and a form of identification that shows your name and current address. Parents/guardians must show this proof of ID and address on behalf of kids under 18 years old. If your picture ID does not have your current address, please also bring something that shows your current mailing address.

To kick off our month-long celebration of library cards, the library will be participating in First Fridays in downtown Enid by extending their hours until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4th. The event will include a showing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a Basic Jewelry Making: Earrings class for adults, and the opportunity for patrons to participate in an exciting scavenger hunt around the library for prizes, including a grand prize of $100.00.

For more information on how to sign up for a library card or for a printed calendar of September events, visit the Public Library of Enid & Garfield County at 120 W. Maine Ave, call (580) 234-6313, or visit the library online at or check out the library blog. The library is also on Facebook and Twitter!