I have often mused that if we carried more library cards than credit cards, we’d be a more literate and less consumerist society.
A capitalist might say that book sales would drop, but mine won’t—they could only go up at this point, so I have no fear of the librarians at the gate. It’s quite the opposite, especially this month, which is Library Card Sign-Up Month and continues through September.
This annual promotion invites readers to obtain a free library card and explore all the library offers, which is more than one might think. Sonoma County Library has more than 600,000 physical items at its 14 libraries, three special collections and a mobile library van. During its most recent fiscal year (2023-2024), more than 1.4 million people visited a library branch, and total book and online circulation reached 4.4 million.
Of course, library cards are free. There is no age limit for receiving a card, though children do require a parent or guardian’s signature to receive one of their own.
Bring a valid photo ID to a branch to apply for a new card in person. Cardholders can check out up to 100 library materials at a time, request items from another library, enjoy eBooks and online audiobooks, use library computers and printers, attend library events and much more.
Pro tip: A library card is also the way to get the most out of mobile apps like Biblio (ebooks and audiobooks), Hoopla (ebooks, audiobooks, movies, TV and comic books) and Kanopy (movies—it’s basically the Criterion Collection but free and, like Hoopla, streamable on a smart TV).
Moreover, on Sept. 1, the library released two new library cards. The first card, created by Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, features beloved Peanuts characters Franklin, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy and is emblazoned with the message, “Libraries Are for Everyone.” An alternative version has the identical message in Spanish: “Las bibliotecas son para todos.”
“Charles Schulz was a lifelong reader, and his love of books and all forms of literature fed his creative genius,” said Chris Bracco, senior vice president creative director at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. “We are proud to collaborate with the Sonoma County Library on this new library card. We hope that the new card will inspire readers of all ages to embrace the wonderful opportunities available to them at any Sonoma County library.”
The second library card features the artwork of local second grader Caleb T., winner of a summer library card art contest. More than 200 local students submitted a proposed library card drawing based on the question, “What does Sonoma County Library mean to you?” Library staff voted for their favorites, and Caleb T’s “Everyone’s Invited/Todos están invitados” design was selected as the contest winner. Honorable Mention awards were presented to Hana Leah D., Ubaydatullah H. and Dalila S.
As an added incentive to get a library card this month, new cardholders can win a private tour of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and skate passes to Snoopy’s Home Ice arena or an Oliver’s Market gift card. To check out available library card designs, go to sonomalibrary.org/LibraryCards.
The Sonoma County Library card—don’t leave home without it.
