Library card sign-up month promotes imagination, adventure

HUNTSVILLE – While public libraries in various cities around the nation have come under
siege, that isn’t the case for the Huntsville-Madison County Library system.

The HMCPL is highlighting September’s National Library Card Sign-Up Month, though cards are available throughout the year. According to HMCPL, owning one of its cards “opens the
doorways to your imagination, both in the library and online.’’

“The true joy of celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month extends beyond getting a card; it’s about becoming part of a community that values learning, exploration, and personal development,’’ HMCPL Public Relations Director Jay Hixson said.

A free HMCPL card is available to Huntsville and Madison County residents ages 16 and older. Residents of Limestone County who live within the city limits of Madison and Huntsville are also eligible. The card is valid at all branches and BookMobile.

To sign up for a card, visit library branches or click here. Identification with correct name and permanent address is required. A government-issued photo ID is required, such as a driver’s license, passport or student school card. The ID can be an out of area driver’s license combined with a lease, utilities bill or imprint on a check or deposit slip.

For non-residents, there is a $20 annual fee for individuals and $35 for families.

A “Young Readers’’ card is issued to youth ages 15 and younger. A parent or guardian
signature is required. Parent or guardian must be a resident of Madison County or a Limestone County resident living within the city limits of Madison or Huntsville, and must agree to be responsible for all items borrowed by the child(ren). Identification for the adult is required as detailed in the resident section listed above.

“During this time of year at HMCPL, youth librarians system-wide collaborate to distribute 7,000 library card applications to Pre-K and Kindergarten students throughout the Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County School systems,’’ Hixson said. “When asked about working with the children in the community, Jessica Lister, the Outreach Services Manager, says, ‘Seeing children receive their very first library card is such a rewarding experience. A library card opens the door to new adventures for a child. We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity to Kindergarteners across the county.”

Another option is a card for computer use only, which is issued for free for in-house computer use to residents ineligible for a full membership card or to non-residents who do not desire full privileges. Non-residents may upgrade to fully privileged status if membership criteria are met.

Identification with correct name is required. Preferred information includes, but is not limited to, address, ZIP Code, phone number and birth date. A photo ID is not required for a computer-use only card.

“A library card from HMCPL brings access to well over a million different physical and digital
items both in our Library locations and from home,’’ Hixson said.

For information, visit the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library
website at www.hmcpl.org.