September is National Library Card Sign Up Month. Some cards in your wallet could cost you the world, but the smartest card can deliver to world to you. The smartest card gives you access to books and information on just about anything. Your library has books, magazines, newspapers, tapes, CDs and videos, not to mention computers and Internet access. Why buy when you can borrow — for free.

Your library is not just about books anymore — we are your community center for information, technology and culture. We have story hours for preschoolers and senior citizens, summer library programs for children and teens, and classes for adults. Most of all, your library has librarians who can answer your questions, recommend and help locate materials, and teach information skills.

For less than half the cost of one book ($7.82 per person per year), citizens borrow an average of 6.5 items. Libraries help in so many ways. Children who read, succeed, in both school and life. Adults develop skills that improve performance in their jobs. Visitors to our city are provided with free services. Libraries generally contribute to a greater quality of life in the communities they serve.

Does your child have a library card? Perhaps nothing is more crucial to your child’s success. If you read biographies of famous, successful people, you will almost invariably see references to the time they spent in their libraries as a child.

There was recently an insert in The Natchez Democrat from the Mississippi Association of Educators about helping your child succeed in school. Prominently displayed was a section on encouraging your child to use the library. There were also several sections on helping your child to read. Why? Because reading is the best single predictor of success in school — and in life.

You — and your child — definitely need to have the smartest card!

Join Friends of the Library

The friends would love for you to join them at their annual membership event on Monday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Linda and Page Ogden. The public is invited, and there is no charge for admission. Contact the library for more information.

Library information

The Natchez Adams Wilkinson Library Service consists of three branches: Armstrong Library in Natchez (the headquarters of the library system), Van Cleave Library in Centreville, and Woodville Public Library in Woodville. The Armstrong Library is located at 220 South Commerce in Natchez, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9-6, Friday from 9-5, and Saturday from 9-1. You can call us at 601.445.8862, e-mail us at armstrong@naw.lib.ms.us or visit us online www.naw.lib.ms.us.