Celebrating Teacher Library Card Month: Empowering Educators Through Library Resources

Every September, libraries across the nation shine a spotlight on one of their most important partnerships: the one they share with educators. Teacher Library Card Month is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of the invaluable support public and school libraries offer to teachers year-round. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this is the perfect time to (re)discover how a library card can transform your classroom.

Why a Teacher Library Card?

Most public libraries offer special cards for educators, providing extended loan periods, access to classroom sets of books, and waived late fees. These perks are designed with the busy schedule and unique needs of teachers in mind. A teacher library card isn't just a convenience—it’s a tool for enriching lesson plans, supporting diverse learners, and encouraging lifelong reading habits in students.

Top Benefits of a Teacher Library Card

1. Extended Checkout Periods
   Planning a month-long unit on world mythology? Need a collection of historical fiction for a classroom novel study? Teacher cards often come with longer checkout windows so materials can be used for the entire duration of a unit.
   
   

2. Classroom Collections & Bulk Borrowing
   Many libraries allow teachers to check out larger quantities of books at once. Librarians can even curate custom collections based on your curriculum themes.
   
   

3. Access to Databases and Digital Resources
   From interactive e-books to academic journals and lesson planning tools, your library card opens the door to a world of digital resources—many of which are free to use with a library login.
   
   

4. Programming & Professional Development
   Libraries often offer workshops, webinars, and events just for educators. These can range from integrating media literacy into your curriculum to using makerspace technology in the classroom.
   
   

5. Support for Diverse Learning Needs
   Need books in other languages, audiobooks for struggling readers, or graphic novels to engage reluctant learners? Your library can help diversify your classroom resources.
   
   

How to Get Your Teacher Library Card

Visit your local public library and ask about their teacher library card program. Requirements vary, but you’ll typically need:

• A valid school ID or proof of employment
  
  

• A government-issued photo ID
  
  

• Proof of residency (sometimes)
  
  

Check your library’s website ahead of time for specific details or call to speak with a librarian directly.

Celebrate and Share

This month, celebrate by signing up for a teacher library card if you haven’t already. If you’re already a cardholder, take a moment to explore new resources your library may have added. Better yet, share your story on social media using hashtags like #TeacherLibraryCardMonth or #LibrariesForEducators to inspire others.

Conclusion

Libraries are more than places to borrow books—they are hubs of knowledge, creativity, and support for teachers and students alike. During Teacher Library Card Month, let’s celebrate the incredible partnership between educators and librarians, and all the ways this relationship helps students thrive.

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Homeschooling with Central Mississippi Regional Library System

 Homeschooling with Central Mississippi Regional Library System 

The library has tons of resources that are of huge benefit to homeschool families. Whether you're a parent looking for resources for your child, a teen looking to make a friend, or a toddler coming to enjoy a story, the library offers many educational and social activities that make homeschooling easier. A full list of these resources and opportunities can be found on the Central Mississippi Regional Library System website here. Additionally, our Facebook account and branch newsletters are wonderful ways to keep up with what is going on at the library.

Whether you're new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, your local library can be a powerful partner in creating a rich, engaging, and well-rounded educational experience for your child.

Meet Our Team - Amber Westbrook (Taylorsville)

 

Amber Westbrook | Youth Services

Evon A. Ford Library (Taylorsville) 

Amber recently joined the CMRLS team, and we are so happy to have her at our Taylorsville branch!  

Here's more from Amber:

1. What is your favorite part of working in the library?

Helping reluctant readers find the perfect book.

2. Was there a book that made you love reading?

I've always loved reading, but was not a strong reader until college. I discovered The Bell Jar in my freshman year, and a new world of literature opened for me.

3. Tell us one e-resource you wish more people knew about.

I wish more people knew about hoopla. Hoopla provides accessibility features and connects patrons with materials, even if they are unable to visit us at the branch in person. This digital resource has ebooks, audiobooks, and even movies available for checkout for FREE with your library card! Find out more at https://www.hoopladigital.com/. All you need is your library card!

4. What do you like to do when you're not at the library?

I homeschool my two children, and we love to go on fun field trips.

5. What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

 A trip to Hay-on-Wye--the book town of Wales.

6. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

Back to School With Your Library

How students can unlock their full potential as students with their local Library 

It’s the time of year that parents and teachers are gearing up for the new school year. Schools and libraries have worked together to promote literacy for communities in a fun and safe environment. Many parents may not be aware of all the resources that public libraries can offer their children. So, stick around and see just what your library can offer to help you be successful this school year!   

Programs are a large part of the activities that take place at the Central Mississippi Regional Library System. Each library offers programs for all ages, but a large majority of them are aimed toward the children of our communities. From babies at Lap Sit story times to seniors at book clubs there is something for everyone.  On our online event calendar, you can view all the programs happening in our library at https://cmrls.trumba.com/. Here you can limit your searches by age, library, and event type!

Promoting and encouraging literacy and creativity is among the most important aspects of the programs offered. Branches work with schools and teachers throughout the school year to allow students opportunities to express their creativity in a safe and encouraging environment. Story times often have a craft element for participants to complete while also encouraging interactive play with other children.  Many of the CMRLS branches offer craft programs, one of the most popular being Create & Connect.  

 

Lego Club at the Forest Public Library 

Many of the branches in the CMRLS offer a Lego club for families. This type of program is a fun way for children to meet up with friends from school and work together on their brick building skills.  

By partnering with guest speakers, the libraries are able to create educational programs that captivate younger audiences and get them through the door. Many of the CMRLS Libraries serve smaller rural communities. By bringing in these guests the libraries help to expose children to things they may not have the opportunity to experience otherwise. These programs with guest speakers allow for community members to learn about different careers and opportunities available to them.  

 

Children enjoying The Dinosaur Experience at the Forest Public Library 

Children’s librarians work with teachers and schools during the school year to coordinate classroom visits and in some cases field trips to the library. These early experiences can be the foundation needed for students to enjoy reading and knowing that the library is a safe place for everyone.  

Miss Asia visits a Flowood Elementary kindergarten class.

The Central Mississippi Regional Library System has numerous resources to help students with schoolwork and research projects. Below are some of resources that students may find valuable to assist with school assignments, but you can also find more information about our digital reference collection online.  

 Is your student taking a class on another language? - Then check out Rocket Languages, which is available with your library card. It can be used on a computer or on a mobile device like a phone. Rocket Languages allows someone to work on learning another language at their own pace through interactive puzzles and games.  

 One extensive resource is the Magnolia Database. Students can use this database to search for sources for projects. There are publications and studies available through Magnolia that students can use to find sources for research projects.  

If a student is working on a history or family history project can find many resources available through Heritage Quest. Heritage Quest is powered by Ancestry.com and is a way for students to search for information about their family history. There are pictures, documents, and records that can be found through Heritage Quest.  

Many older students have to take tests like the GRE, ACT, and more. Learning Express Library features online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help patrons of all ages! There are also practice tests for the driver’s license test in our digital reference collection. For more information check out our test prep resources. 

If a student is needing a quiet place to study or take a proctored exam many of the branches in the Central Mississippi Regional Library System have study spaces available to use. These rooms can be scheduled in advance but if no one has reserved the space then it is open to be used on a first come first serve basis. When those are not available, there are often tables where groups can gather to study throughout the library space.  

During the busy school year don’t forget that your local library is available to assist parents and students. Between programs and multiple available resources there is something for everyone to be found at your local library to help ease the stress of a new school year.