Prince William Public Libraries Celebrates Library Card Sign-up Month with Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.

At Prince William Public Libraries, patrons of all ages can find a variety of educational resources and activities, including story times for our youngest patrons, Girls Who Code, driven by its mission to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like and does, and programs intended to enhance lifelong learning like Art in the Garden and Resume Makeover: Library Edition.

“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” says Deborah Wright, director. “We have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds. Our popular ‘Do Re Read Mi a Story’ is a music program designed for children of all abilities, including those with autism and other special needs. Our two Makerspaces at Bull Run and Central Libraries introduce new technology and tools for teens and adults to try out like 3D pens, embroidery machines, and podcast equipment.”

This September, Prince William Public Libraries encourages members of the community to sign up for a library card. Children as young as five are eligible to sign up for their own library card. A library card opens a world of opportunities – including programs, resources, and services – at Prince William Public Libraries. The 12 libraries throughout Prince William County and the City of Manassas offer both traditional and nontraditional items like books, a Digital Library, Passport Services, and free Wi-Fi that extends to all the libraries’ parking lots, offering reliable internet 24/7.

This year, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel (Frozen, Wicked) and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, will serve as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month. Idina and Cara are excited to remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. During Library Card Sign-Up Month, they want us to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming.

Prince William Public Libraries, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving community needs. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, visit pwcva.gov/library.