Library Cards a Valuable School Supply

Students are packing their knapsacks with books and binders, and going to class, but are they carrying the most valuable school supply of all? A library card.

A library card enables students to find the resources they need to complete school projects , pick up their favourite books and magazines, and access electronic resources. This is one school supply that will not cost anything.

"It's no secret that our public libraries are a key resource to help students find what they need to succeed," said provincial librarian Jennifer Evans. "Students are encouraged to get a library card so they can make the most of what's available to them."

Ms. Evans said that more than one-third of all Nova Scotians are proud to own and use library cards.

Cardholders can also access library services and resources over the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This enables the cardholder to find, reserve, and renew books, magazines, music and movies. Cardholders also have free access to a web-based version of the World Book encyclopedia, whether at home, at work or in a library.

Individuals who do not have a library card can apply for one at a local library or online. See the website at http://publiclibraries.ns.ca for library branches.

There are nine regional library boards operating 77 branches and seven mobile libraries in the province. The Department of Education contributed $10.7 million to public libraries in 2005-06. The funding of public libraries is shared by the province, municipalities and library boards.