During the month of September, the LaGrange Memorial Library is joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month.

This is a time to remind parents, caregivers and students that a library card is the first step toward academic achievement and lifelong learning, according to a press release from the library.

According to the press release, libraries play an important role in the education and development of children.

“Our library programs serve students of all ages,” says outreach strategist Desmond Watson, in the release. “For younger children, we offer early literacy resources to help them learn to read and encourage school readiness, and for teens and older students, we provide access to technology and digital tools (such as 3D printers and RBDigital).”

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 unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.

For more information, visit LaGrange Memorial in person or online at www.thrl.org.