REGION — This September, the 47 member libraries of the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) are joining with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-up Month, an initiative to make sure that every student has the most important school supply of all: a free library card.

“A library card opens doors and minds,” said Robert Hubsher, RCLS executive director. “No other card in your wallet gives you free access to books, CDs, magazines and DVDs at your library and opens up the digital world to you with free access to downloadable e-books, audio books, music, movies and magazine articles. Your library card also provides you access to all kinds of library programs from book clubs to craft programs.”

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to become lifelong readers and continue to use the library as a source of information throughout their lives. 

Library cards are free to those living in the library’s service area. The Ramapo Catskill Library System home page www.rcls.org provides a link to all member libraries and their branches 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  From your home or office, you are able to reserve and renew items online; a valid library card number is all that is required for access.