By Sarah Masessa, news correspondent

September is a very busy time for the Boston Public Library (BPL) as it celebrates National Library Card Sign-Up Month, when libraries across the country remind people of all ages about the joys of reading and the power of obtaining a library card.

College students especially can take advantage of this event, as library card sign-ups can be done at BPL locations throughout the city. The only required information is a photo ID and proof of current Massachusetts residency.

“What might be of interest to readers are the several ways to sync up with the Boston Public Library as the new school year begins,” Rosemary Lavery, senior public relations associate for the BPL, said.

Gone are the days of searching through the vast and seemingly never-ending shelves of the library for a specific book. Lavery suggests searching for e-books in the BPL online catalogues. The library is working to stay current and up-to-date with increased digitalization so its readers can access books from their mobile devices, computers and e-readers.

In addition to acquiring library cards in person, readers can register for an eCard that allows them exclusively online access. The physical library and its various branches are supplemented by a digital archive of ebooks, digital audiobooks, videos and digital magazines, among other resources. Other library services include museum passes, tutoring programs and genealogy research.

Christine Schonhart, director of library services, puts the benefits of attaining a library card into perspective.

“Studies show that youth who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning,” Schonhart said. “A library card gives access not only to every branch throughout the city, but our growing collection of online resources.”

Mayor Martin J. Walsh also got in the spirit of celebrating.

“Our libraries are invaluable resources for community members and play a critical role in furthering the education of our residents,” Walsh said in a BPL press release. “I encourage Bostonians to take advantage of the free services the library system provides and sign up for a card.”

“Free services” means anything from streaming movies, music and television shows on one’s computer to learning a new language, as the BPL offers online language learning tools such as Powerspeak and Mango.

The library also has a free app available for download onto smartphones. With this app, readers can renew books, place hold requests, have these requests delivered to any BPL location and browse new items – all without setting foot inside the library doors.

Amy E. Ryan, president of the BPL, is proud of the library’s persistent efforts to teach students the value of reading.

“Last year, Boston Public Library helped 73,000 Mass. residents sign up for a library card,” Ryan said. “Having a library card is a gateway to tremendous opportunities for learners of all ages.”

The BPL and its various branches are also actively involved on Twitter and Facebook. The McKim Building subdivision of the library received rave reviews from visitors, who say they felt like they had been transported back in time once they experienced the building’s grand architecture and rich history.

Facebook user Nancy Greene left a comment on the BPL’s page, “I found the very uppermost levels of the original McKim portion of the library almost magical.”

Indeed, the BPL has a very remarkable history. It was established in 1848 as the first large free municipal library in the US. It began as a schoolhouse and has since relocated multiple times, expanded and branched out into a full library system.

Now, the BPL has a central library in Copley and 24 library branches within Mass. in locations including Jamaica Plain, South Boston and Dorchester. The library has set many standards for others across the country to follow; it was the first library to lend books, first to create branches and the first to create a children’s room. The BPL is currently home to fine collections of rare books and manuscripts, maps, prints, murals and other historic and artistic artifacts dating back almost 160 years.

Additionally, Boston’s library system acts as a hub of learning. Various branches, especially the central location in Copley Square, regularly host events such as author talks and preschool story time, fostering educational opportunities for  adults and children alike.

This month has seen people of all ages obtain library cards as a result of increased awareness about the opportunity. Every Bostonian is not only welcome but also encouraged to join in the BPL’s long history of public learning.

Photo courtesy drocpsu, Creative Commons