Get In Your Element This Fall With A Library Card

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the Monroe County Public Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. 

From borrowing books, ebooks, audiobooks and DVDs to getting homework help, learning new skills, streaming films or attending a book club or story time, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy. All without stretching their budget. 

Interested in trying a new hobby? The library can help. Thinking about starting or growing a small business? The Monroe County Public Library offers LinkedIn Learning, with more than 20,000 courses that can help entrepreneurs and small business owners. There are also courses in technology and creative fields that can help people advance in their professional and personal lives. And a library card gives you access to Law Depot, where you can get business agreements and other forms. Each branch offers free wifi and loans laptops for in-library use. The Library also offers printing and copying for 10 cents a page. 

With a Monroe County Public Library card, eBooks, eAudiobooks, online courses, streaming video, magazines and more are available any time. More information about that can be found at www.keyslibraries.org/online/. 

“The Monroe County Public Library is here to serve Keys residents, whether they are looking for entertainment, learning or access to technology like laptops and printing,” said Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Libraries. “We’re dedicated to providing residents with opportunities to improve their quality of life and get the information and resources they need.” 

To sign up for a library card, visit your local branch or register online (you’ll need to come to one of our locations within three months to confirm residency or if you want to borrow print books or DVDs).

There’s something for everyone at the Monroe County Public Library and signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning for students. It’s elemental, really—everyone should have one! 

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. 

The Monroe County Public Library is South Florida’s oldest public library, with branches in Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo. In addition, the Library now has a Lending Machine and Pickup Locker that are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at Bernstein Park on Stock Island, as well as a Lending Machine that is available 24/7 at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.