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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2020
Media Contact: Jill Schacter jschacter@cityofevanston.org
Phone:  847/448-8628

Library cards empower students and fuel academic success

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when Evanston Public Library (EPL) joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.

There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. Through access to technology, books, research information, and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams and passions. Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help, STEM activities, internet access, book recommendations, and bilingual programming. They help transform lives and communities through education. Additionally, Evanston Public Library collaborates throughout the community, offering resources and programming through outreach to youth organizations, afterschool programs, and schools.

To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit the Evanston Public Library at 1703 Orrington Avenue or the Robert Crown Library Branch at 1801 Main Street. The Library has precautions in place to make your visit as safe as possible. Or check in with us at epl.org.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for those Evanston residents venturing out less frequently, and who do not already have a library card, we are also offering temporary online cards (for Evanston residents only) by filling out the simple form at https://ccs.polarislibrary.com/polaris/patronaccount/selfregister.aspx?ctx=19.1033.0.0.2

Since the pandemic gripped our city and the nation in March, Evanston Public Library has signed up almost 1500 new cardholders for access to all the Library offers, including the Digital Library which is available 24 hours a day for eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, streaming services, and more. 

“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” said Karen Danczak Lyons, Executive Director of EPL.  “We have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds such as book clubs, free book distribution, and storytimes for young children, as well as safe social opportunities for teens. We are here to help parents establish their children as strong readers. We value our many partnerships with schools, after school programs, and other youth-focused organizaitons. EPL, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community."

This year, DC’s Wonder Woman is embarking on a mission to champion the power of a library card as Library Card Sign-up Month Honorary Chair. In her new role, Wonder Woman will promote the value of libraries and encourage everyone to get their very own library card. 

About the Evanston Public Library

For more than 145 years, the Library has provided educational, culturally-rich resources for all residents, helped children prepare for school through the joys of reading and learning, celebrated Evanston’s diversity, and helped residents find information they seek. The Library is more than a building of books; it is a place to meet, connect, learn and explore. To learn more, visit www.epl.org.