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Edinburg, TX – September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide 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.
There is nothing more empowering than signing up for your own library card. 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 and passions.
Libraries offer everything from early literacy programs to virtual homework help and GED classes, helping transform lives and communities through education. At the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources and activities, including Brainfuse, which is a database that provides students with live online homework assistance and tutoring. Students interested in learning a new language can use the library’s Transparent Language database. The database is very user friendly and all you need to do is create your own unique account and start learning.
“Libraries play an important role in fostering the love of reading and preparing students for academic success as well as inspiring the quest for life-long learning.,” said Letty Leija, Library & Cultural Arts Director. “We have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds such as Tuesdays- Toddler Time, Wednesdays- STEM Classes, and Fridays Story Time for children. Every other Saturday, we host teens and tweens programs which include book discussions, arts & crafts, gaming, creative writing seminars, life skill workshops, and much more. And throughout the week, we host an array of adult programs which include GED, ESL, and citizenship classes. Additionally, we host a monthly adult book club discussion, arts and crafts classes and numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.
The Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library, along with libraries everywhere, continue to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit https://cityofedinburg.com/library/ .
During September, the Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library will host Library Card Sign-up activities:
· Throughout the month, anyone who signs up or renews their library card, for free, will receive a free book, while supplies last.
· The Children Department will restart their weekly programs, beginning with their Wednesdays STEAM after school class, Tuesdays Toddler Time, and Fridays Story Time. Also be sure and celebrate the power of a library card by getting your own or renew your current library card and receive a goody bag with a prize inside! (While supplies last).
· On Thursday, September 9th, at 6 p.m., the public is invited to meet Edinburg native, Margarita Longoria – editor of the young-adult anthology Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America – at the Edinburg City Hall Auditorium. In addition, attendees will have a chance to meet various authors that contributed written work in the anthology.
· On Saturday, September 11th, at 1 PM teens and tweens are invited to participate in our No Bake After School Snack program where they will learn how to make a healthy BLT Wrap followed by a presentation on our CloudLibrary and Brainfuse Help Now e-resources accessible with their library card.
Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.
For more information, call the library at 956-383-6246 or visit us at 1906 South Closner Boulevard in Edinburg, right across the historic Echo Hotel.
