I’m an unabashed fan of the library. I spent many hours sitting in the library as a kid with my family (even if most of that time was spent on the library computer playing Runescape). I was an avid competitor in every summer reading challenge. As an adult, I fell back in love with reading now that I live within walking distance of the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL).
Simply put, the library rocks. But in a post-pandemic world, in-person library visits and physical media have seen a massive fall-off around the country, and that’s one of the reasons the GRPL hosts its annual Library Card Sign Up Month, offering exclusive discounts around Grand Rapids if you show proof that you signed up for a library card this month.
Public Library Visits Down Nationwide
According to data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, library visits are half of what they were a decade ago, with visits near 2.5 billion in 2010. However, the post-2020 world has seen rates closer to 1.25 billion visits per year. Physical media, too, has a 20% decline in U.S. Library collections (162 million fewer books than in 2010).
While the library’s digital collection is a vital part of its services and one that many people use, neither digital nor physical resources can be accessed without a library card.
Grand Rapids Public Library Hosts “Library Card Sign-Up Month”
To encourage more library usage, the GRPL hosts an annualLibrary Card Sign-Up Month. During September, anyone who signs up for a library card will receive a limited-edition card design and keychain (keychains only for in-person sign-ups). You can also get a fun novelty bumper sticker, stickers, books, or enter to win library “swag” and a Schuler Books Gift Card.
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Signing up for a library card is free and allows you to check books out from Kent District Library, the Lakeland Library Cooperative (LakeNet), and through MeLCat.
Local Discounts
While the above rewards are enjoyable, the most significant benefit of signing up for a free library card is the discounts you can receive at local coffee shops and bookstores. You can learn more about the details of the sign-up month here…