YORK, Pa. — As we enter the fall season of shorter days and cooler weather you may find yourself curling up with a book before bed. Some local libraries are making this easier.
York County Libraries are working to provide all York County residents with a library card.
According to Mina Edmondson, director of Martin Library in York, the initiative involves library representatives meeting people in their communities, spreading the word about the benefits of having a library card and making the sign-up process more accessible. This is while the nation celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.
For Jonathan Stutzman, finding something to read is just as exciting as diving into the storybook. “We always say it’s kind of like a treasure hunt," he said.
Stutzman began his reading journey with his local library at a young age. "It was one of my favorite things as a kid. To go into these aisles of these amazing treasures that I have yet to discover. I pick them out, I sit on the floor in between the books and I read."
Another fond memory was bonding over books with his mom.
"I love used book sales, I always call my mom anytime there's one in the local area."
Their latest stop, The Friends of Elizabethtown Public Library fall book sale in Lancaster County.
Janet Hench is treasurer of the organization and says all the money raised goes towards supporting the library.
“Our book sales, twice a year, have at least 10,000 books per book sale.”
The books are donated by community members, ranging in age from the early 2000s to 2019, and are all gently used.
Stutzman says he and his mom have been attending book sales like this one since he was in elementary school. Now, an avid reader and award-winning author, Stutzman encourages young children to explore the world of literature.
“Showing kids the smorgasbord of books out there to discover is great for them because then they can find what they’re truly interested in reading about and that’s when you develop a love of reading for the rest of your life," he said.
But Hench says books can benefit readers beyond what's just on the page.
“It’s a great way to start your kids in life, it helps their education," says Hench.
According to the National Library of Medicine, studies show that students between fourth and tenth grade who are above-average readers experienced a higher rate of vocabulary growth than those who read less.
But expanding education through books doesn’t end there. Edmonson says, "The library as they get older can help them with resources for school or online resources."
Resources like access to research databases, computers and other community programs put on by the libraries.
“We want people to be able to use the resources of the library. Even if today they don’t think they need them, they may need them next week or next month or just that opportunity," said Edmondson.
Signing up for a library card is free and easy. You can request an application in person at any of the 13 York County Library locations and get your card the same day, or fill the form out online.