Charlotte, NC – August 21 – September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) wants to make sure that your child has the smartest card of all – a library card.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

“A library card has always been the most important school supply of all,” says Amy Kukla, Family Literacy Coordinator. “Kids can come to the library to get homework help and check out books, but they can also check out free music, DVDs and use the Internet to make after school life a little more fun.”

Kids with library cards also have free access to the live, online homework help resources of tutor.com found on the Public Library’s Web site (www.plcmc.org/online). Adult learners can benefit too. Qualified tutors in Math, Science, English and Social Science are available 7 days a w eek from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Spanish speaking tutors are available Sun. – Thurs., 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

A recent study by the American Library Association showed that families use libraries to spend time together. Forty-four percent of survey respondents report taking their children to the library for this reason.

The public library has a wealth of activities sure to help children of all ages make learning fun. Library Card Sign–up Month has been a tradition in public libraries since 1987. For more information on how you can sign up for your library card, visit your neighborhood library or check out the Web site at www.plcmc.org.