The Hardest Working Card in Your Pocket

As summer winds down and backpacks start filling up again, there’s one school supply that deserves a permanent place in every student’s pocket: a library card. At Howard County Library System, your library card unlocks far more than bookshelves – it opens the door to homework help, research tools, creative inspiration, and entertainment for every age.

We’re lucky in Howard County to have such a great relationship with the public school system, which means every student has an A+ account (accessible via hcpss.me) that they can use to unlock all the resources we have to offer, without having to sign up for one.

We have a powerful lineup of digital resources that can be accessed from home, school, or anywhere with an internet connection.

• Need help understanding algebra, revising an essay, or preparing for an upcoming test? Brainfuse HelpNow provides live online tutoring 24/7, study tools, and writing support.
• Research projects are easier with Gale databases, which offer reliable articles, biographies, science resources, and academic content that students can trust.
• Instead of sifting through questionable internet sources, students can access curated, credible information with just a few clicks.
• Access digital newspapers through hclibrary.org and digital magazines in the Libby app or PressReader to stay informed about current events and explore perspectives beyond the classroom.

Of course, library resources are never just about academics. Students can borrow e-books and e-audiobooks instantly, stream movies and music, learn a new language, or dive into hobbies ranging from cooking to coding. For families, educators, and lifelong learners alike, a library card is one of the few tools that continues to grow in value the more you use it. It supports learning, creativity, entertainment, and exploration all year long.

And there’s no better time to celebrate than around back-to-school time, and September, which is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. This year the American Library Association’s honorary chair for National Library Card Sign-Up Month is the singer Laufey (check out her children’s book, Mei Mei the Bunny, or her CD, A Matter of Time), who reminds everyone that libraries are spaces where creativity and curiosity thrive.

If you already have a library card, now is the perfect time to rediscover everything it can do. If you don’t, September is the perfect time to sign up.

Sahana is the Communications Strategist at HCLS. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.