Common Core information, popular da-
tabases, free downloads, and 24/7 music
streaming. Library resources are free to
all and many libraries are open seven
days a week during the school year.
Teachers may be interested in bringing
their classes to the library — the library
will assist with tours and library cards
for the students.
Libraries Can
Help Exercise Your
Body & Mind
Library Card Sign-Up
Encourages Lifelong Learning
Your Library Card is Your Ticket to Adventure
F
all can be such a busy time
preparing children for school
or daycare, many for the first
time. You have likely received the long
list of school supplies needed in the
classroom, and that can be very stress-
ful. Who would have ever thought kids
use so many glue sticks?
We’d like to remind you about the
one essential school supply that requires
no shopping and is completely free — a
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
card.
This September, the 37 Buffalo &
Erie County Public Libraries and the
Library on Wheels bookmobile are join-
ing the American Library Association
(ALA) and libraries nationwide for Li-
brary Card Sign-Up Month to encourage
parents, caregivers and students to obtain
a FREE library card that will save them
money while reaping rewards in academ-
ic achievement and lifelong learning.
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4
popular characters Woody, Buzz Light-
year, Bo Peep and friends are the honor-
ary chairs, reminding you that your free
library card is a wonderful ticket to ad-
venture – and so much more. Whether
it is providing storytime programs, free
access to homework help, all ages book
clubs, LEGO clubs, parenting databases,
or books and music in print and digital
formats, a library card is one of the most
cost-effective ways to set children up for
success in school and beyond.
Libraries Are Fun!
“Throughout the school year, your
local Buffalo & Erie County Public Li-
braries offer a variety of programs that
foster a love of reading, learning, creat-
ing and exploring,” said Library System
Director Mary Jean Jakubowski. “We
are welcoming places. Your neighbor-
hood library offers a schedule of regular
storytime programs that introduce tod-
dlers, preschoolers and families to the
joy of reading. We offer MakerSpace
and craft programs that spark creativ-
ity with STEM skills; teen leadership
and reading clubs; chess, business, ca-
reer and computer resources for adults
and much more in fun and entertaining
ways. All local libraries have free WiFi
and public computers and printers. The
Library grows with you and your family
because it has something for everyone!”
The Library System website www.
BuffaloLib.org provides around-the-
clock access to resources for students
and learners of all ages, caregivers,
homeschoolers, and teachers including
learning guides, practice (SAT) tests,
age-appropriate book recommendations,
The Isaías González-Soto Branch
Library (formerly called the Niagara
Branch) at 280 Porter Avenue in Buffa-
lo, has a new pilot program called “Play
Down Your Fines” where children under
the age of 17 can borrow soccer or la-
crosse kits for up to three days. Even
if a child has overdue fines or fees or,
if the card is blocked from use, sports
equipment can still be borrowed and,
best of all — any fines and fees will be
completely removed (yes, completely re-
moved) from the child’s card.
This new and exciting sports equip-
ment borrowing program gives kids a
chance to sample sports equipment and
use it for free play without the pressure
(or expense) of joining a team. Algon-
quin Sports for Kids is offering pro-
grams at the same library to teach kids
how to use the equipment. In the winter
months, youth size snowshoes will be
available for borrowing. Only available
at the Isaías González-Soto Branch Li-
brary, this program is generously funded
by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Getting a free
library card is easy.
If you live, work or go to school in
Erie County, just bring valid ID and proof
of residency to any of the Buffalo & Erie
County Public Libraries or the bookmo-
bile and fill out an application. Anyone,
any age, even babies can have library
cards. A parent/guardian with valid form
of ID must accompany those under the
age of 17. For more information, visit a
nearby library, call 716-858-8900, or vis-
it online at www.BuffaloLib.org.
September 2019 WNY Family 31