March 29, 2024

September is Library Card Sign Up Month

National Library Card Sign Up Month is here and the Osceola Public Library has more than just books on shelves for patrons to check out.

Getting a library card is simple, stop in and ask for one. For anyone over the age of 14 an ID or proof of address is required. For children under the age of 14 a parent must be there to sign them up since under 14 years of age there wouldn’t be any proof of address. There is no age limit for library cards. There is no fee for library cards.

Library cards do get patrons access to all books and movies that the OPL has in stock but it also opens up a wider world of books that can be brought in through the interlibrary loan system or ebooks. Interlibrary loans are an option when a book can’t be found in the OPL but another library in the state has it. The librarian fills out a form and the book is mailed using a state funded currier system to the OPL, they get two interlibrary loan deliveries a week. Once the book is in the librarian will call the patron to let them know it’s ready to be picked up. Ebooks and audiobooks can also be downloaded onto any devise from the app Libby for those with a library card.

“There are thousands and thousands of ebook and audiobooks you can get,” said Library Director Francis Acland. “Your library card really does open so many doors.”

One big resource the OPL offers with the sign up of a library card is their Transparent Language program. For all patrons Transparent Language is available with over 100 different languages to learn including English. It was recently renewed for another year.

“Once they get signed up for a library card and have that card number then they can sign in and it’s all free,” said Children’s Librarian Krista Woodard.

For these programs patrons must live in Osceola or rural Clarke County. There are currently 3,046 library card holders in Clarke County.

There are other programs that the library has that do not require a library card, though most who attend the events already have one or end up signing up for one. These other clubs and events include:

• Lego Club- ages 7 and up, second Tuesday of the month September- April (pre-registration required) 4-5 p.m.

• Preschool story time- children 2-5, Thursdays Sep. 23- April 9:30 a.m.

• Toddler Time- second and fourth Mondays 10 a.m.

• Scavenger Hunt and Nature Craft- all ages, at East Lake Park 10:30 a.m.

• Family Discovery Time- children 3-10, third Monday of the month September-April 6 p.m.

• Hooks and Needles Group- knitting group second Tuesday of the month September-April 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Adult Book Discussion- third Tuesday of the month February-December 6:30 p.m.

• Teen Group- second Monday of the month September-April 3:30-5 p.m.

• Back to Homeschool Day- Sep. 17 1 p.m.



Tyra Audlehelm

Tyra Audlehelm

I grew up in Osceola and live here still with my husband and son. I graduated with my Bachelor degree in Journalism and Mass Communications in 2017. I have work at the OST since January of 2018.