GREENFIELD — A library card is always a free ticket to books, movies, computer access and events. But during the month of September, the card becomes even more valuable.
This month, a valid Hancock County Public Library card will bring cardholders freebies and discounts at area businesses. The “Get Carded” campaign is a partnership between the library and 35 Greenfield-area businesses that are celebrating “Library Card Sign-up Month,” an annual literacy effort sponsored by the American Library Association since 1987.
Library Card Sign-up Month is a nationwide event, a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country partner to remind residents that taking out a library card is the first step toward academic achievement and lifelong learning — and reward those who do so.
This year’s honorary chair of the event is Snoopy, the world-famous beagle from Peanuts.
Assistant director Barbara Roark said the goal of the program is to make the library card even more valuable to its users — perhaps prompting people who don’t have a card to pay the library a visit.
“This is a win-win event for everyone — our patrons, our businesses and our library,” she wrote in an email to the Daily Reporter.
The yearly celebration falls in September to mark the beginning of the school year, when a library card is one of the most important supplies a student can carry, library officials said.
One of the many businesses taking part in the annual event is Cynthia’s Hallmark and Boutique in Greenfield. Owner Kelley Holden said offering discounts to customers who have a library card is a great opportunity to promote literacy.
“I think community involvement is important,” Holden said. “I don’t know that it brings us any more business, but taking part doesn’t cost us anything, and it’s really important to support the community.”
Chicago’s Pizza is offering freebies, too; it has donated coupons for free breadsticks for the first 40 people who sign up for or renew a Hancock County Public Library card.
Library officials say the program is a great chance to allow patrons to see how technology has expanded; a library is no longer a place just for books.
For specifics on discounts and perks, visit the library’s website at hplibrary.org or pick up a flier at either Hancock County Public Library’s branch (900 W. McKenzie Road in Greenfield and 5087 W. U.S. 52 in New Palestine).
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The following area businesses are providing discounts for patrons who show an up-to-date library card:
Auto 911 Towing
Auto Air & Heating
BBQ’n Fools Catering
Carnegie’s Restaurant
Cynthia’s Hallmark and Boutique
Daily Reporter
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Family Bike Chain
Firehouse Subs
Florida Cracker Bar-B-Que
Hancock County Arts
Hometown Classic Pizza
Hometown Comics & Games
Jenkins Auto Repair Professionals
Jim Dandy
Main Street Muffler & Brake
McCleerey’s Sporting Goods
Medicap Pharmacy
Mozzi’s Pizza (Greenfield)
Orange Leaf Yogurt
Papa John’s Pizza
Penny’s Florist Shop
Pizza King
Point of Balance Acupuncture
Ponderosa
Price Eye Care
Red Banana
Round the Corner Pub
Strike Force Lanes
That Fun Place
Two Sisters Cakery
Valvoline Express
Waffle House
Wilkerson Dance Studio
Wings, Etc.
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