This year marks the 25th anniversary of Library Card Sign-up Month and libraries across the country are getting ready for the event.

CHICAGO – September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and libraries are preparing for the promotion, a time when libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.

Check out how these libraries are planning on celebrating.

Each year a number of libraries partner with local small businesses to promote the literal value of a library card; businesses offer discounts and coupons for patrons who show their library cards. Two such libraries include the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library and Boyd County Public Library of Ashland, Ky. During the course of the month, 50 participating businesses will display window clings from the library that advertise the library card discount. In addition to offering in-store discounts, local business will offer additional discount coupons to the first 200 residents that signup for a library card.

During the month of September, the Bedford (Ind.) Public Library will display READ posters of library staff members and local celebrities throughout the library. The library will also run a contest for new library card holders; children who sign up for a new card can get their own READ poster, which will hang in the library throughout the month.

Each September, the Loudoun County (Va.) Public Library creates a theme-specific library treasure hunt for first grade students. In 2012, the scavenger hunt feature themes such as, Goin’ on a Jungle Safari; the promotion will have students follow a map that highlights services and resources in the library. Prior to the event, the staff visits elementary schools with library card applications and invites children to attend the event with their parents.

The Vernon Area (Ill.) Public Library will hold a drawing for area residents who sign up for a library card in September. Prizes in the raffle include an iPod Nano, a Nook and autographed books.

The South Carolina State Library is targeting employees in government agencies, reminding them about the value of a state library card. In order to promote signing up for a library card, state library representatives will host “lunch & learn” sessions at state government agencies throughout the month. These sessions will discuss what the state library is and what it does for its users.

Resources available on the Library Card Sign-up Month web page include a print and digital public service announcement featuring the Honorary Chair of Library Card Sign-up Month, Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sample media tools include a sample newsletter article, proclamation and PSA scripts.

This year marks the 25 anniversary of Library Card Sign-up Month.

To download free promotional materials, visit www.ala.org/librarycardsignup.

The Campaign for America’s Libraries is the ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible in part by ALA’s Library Champions.