September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Stanislaus County Libraries invite everyone to celebrate. For anyone who is new to the library or if it’s been a while since you visited, September is a great time to stop by one of Stanislaus County’s 13 libraries, get a library card, and see all that’s new.

Like other organizations, Stanislaus County Libraries have found new ways to provide services throughout the pandemic, resulting in some innovative new programs. The digital services library card was established out of necessity, but now also offers new customers the convenience of quick remote access to digital library materials.

Popular children’s programs are now offered virtually, including Story Times in English, Spanish and bilingual English/Spanish. Families enjoy virtual themed trivia nights and digital escape rooms. Book clubs have convened online, offering adults a fun and safe way to connect with others who enjoy books and reading. The library’s popular Summer Reading program and other reading challenges, are now offered through the Beanstack app, so participants can easily track their reading online for the chance to win prizes and/or bragging rights.

Stanislaus County Libraries have been awarded several grants for enhanced learning and increased access to information. Customers can now borrow Wi-Fi hotspots. Parents can check out Read to Me kits to create their own Story Times at home. Kids can borrow a STEAM kit (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) then join a coding class online.

Library Card Sign-Up Month brings new hours of operation, including some evening and Saturday hours, and a new library card design. To celebrate, the entire community is invited to join the Library Card Sign-Up Month Reading Challenge to collectively read 100,000 minutes during the month of September. Visit www.stanislauslibrary.org to learn more about the reading challenge, then sign up using the Beanstack App.