Celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month: Empowering Educators Through Library Resources

Celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month:

Empowering Educators Through Library Resources

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month. “One card: endless possibilities” is not simply a theme but a declaration of the power a library card has in the hands of a patron. Educators, in particular, can benefit greatly from using their library card to enrich the classroom experience of their students. 

 

The Central Mississippi Regional Library System is the perfect partner for educators in Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. CMRLS offers free library cards to educators within our region. These cards come with special benefits including: fine free check outs for a nine week period, access to story kits, and Dial-a-Story. An educator can create curriculum and have all the materials they need at no cost! Diversity in the classroom is another important issue that can be addressed through partnership with libraries. Through our own library collections and inter-library loan services, English language learner materials and audio resources can be provided. 

 

Educators can also bring their classes to the library. Library staff can provide support in many ways from hosting story time to an introduction to the digital resources available through the library. Library resources are not only geared towards students: visits can be tailored to the professional needs of educators. Educators can schedule “One on One Time” with a library staff member to learn more about library resources and how the catalog and research databases can be utilized. Educators can also keep their classrooms running smoothly by using Future Assignment notifications, a service provided by the library. Educators can inform their local CMRLS library of upcoming assignments, and library staff can pull and reserve items at their request. Students can come to the library and use these resources when it is convenient for them. This is a great way to encourage independent student research while also not losing instructional time. 

 

People from all walks of life benefit from having a library card. If you are not already a cardholder, come to any CMRLS branch to sign up today and see what possibilities await you. Visit https://cmrls.lib.ms.us/virtual_teacher_packet/ to learn more!