By Smarty Guest Blogger Maeve Dodds, a Children’s Librarian at the University City Regional Library branch
Each September, the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month. This year is extra special because Disney and Pixar’s famous Toy Story characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep join us as we encourage customers of all ages to sign up for their free library card.
To get a free library card with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, customers must live in Mecklenburg County. If you live outside of the county, you can still get a Library card for a yearly charge of $45 per household. All Library cards enable cardholders to check out print and digital materials, access online resources, use the Library’s computers and more. Can’t make it to the Library? You can apply for a virtual library card for instant access to materials. Another exciting aspect about Library cards is that anyone, even your newborn, can have a library card!
Library access is also made easy for students in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system because of ONE Access cards. Each student can use their CMS student ID number to check out up to 10 print or audiobooks at a time; digital materials are also accessible with these cards. Students can easily check out at self-checkout stations and use their date of birth for their pin. Another great thing about ONE Access cards is that students don’t obtain late fees. The only fees that will be added to their accounts is if a book is lost.
Are you a teacher? You’re in luck! There is also a special Library card for you. A Teacher Loan card allows you to check out up to 30 items at a time, for an extended period of six weeks. To apply, you must bring your current school ID badge, or any of the materials listed on the library webpage, when you sign-up for the card.
As a librarian for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, I know the value of having a library card. I applied for my son to have his own card when he was born, and he is now learning how to check out his own books. The value of having this card will follow him as he grows, will teach him responsibility and will also allow him to have access to a multitude of materials. Visiting the Library and checking out books is a positive experience for any family.
Former First Lady Laura Bush said, “I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” If you want access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, for free, consider getting a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library card. For more information on obtaining a library card, or a ONE Access card, visit or contact your local branch.
