Medina County District Library celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and the Medina County District Library is encouraging residents to get a card, replace a lost one or make sure their information is up to date. The national campaign highlights the importance of library cards to children's education and efforts to combat illiteracy. It began in 1987 in response to then-U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett, who called for a campaign encouraging every child to obtain and use a library card, according to the American Library Association. At Medina County District Library, September has consistently been a busy month for people looking to get a library card. Since 2022, September has recorded the second-highest number of visits to the library's library-card webpage, behind August, according to Tina Sabol, the library's community engagement director. August sees particularly high interest because of the end of the library's Summer Reading program and the start of the school year, when families frequently sign their children up for library cards. But when looking at all-ages interest, September ranks second based on visits to the library's website, Sabol said. September has consistently ranked among the library's busiest months for new card issuance, alongside August, as families prepare for the back-to-school season. In 2022, September was third with 714 cards issued, then ranked first in 2023 and 2024, with 972 and 1,107 cards issued, respectively. In 2025, September ranked third again with 868 cards, behind July's 968 and August's 909, Sabol said. Cards are free for new patrons, and during September, the 50-cent fee for replacing a lost or damaged card is waived for existing patrons, said Lexi Fundzak, who works at the library. September also is a good time for existing cardholders to update their information if they have moved, Sabol said. "No matter your status: new to the area, a temporary resident, or you got away from the library and let your card expire, our staff wants to get you borrowing again," Medina Library Manager Christine Gramm said. The Medina County District Library offers several types of library cards. A standard library card provides complete access to physical and eMedia collections at the Medina County District Library and through CLEVNET. An eCard allows users to remotely access electronic resources, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, music and movies. Medina County residents can receive an eCard number by email within minutes, allowing them to access electronic resources without waiting for residency verification. The Three for Me card and teen card allow youths through age 17 to borrow three books, use computers and access databases requiring a library card. Educators can use an educator card to check out up to 100 items for a 28-day loan period. A temporary card is available for adults who do not have proof of residence or who are temporary residents. The library is also fine-free. Items automatically renew as long as another patron has not reserved the item. Patrons receive alerts and can check their accounts online or at the library. According to the library's 2025 annual report, the Medina County District Library issued 8,602 new library cards and 2,272 eCards last year. Patrons checked out more than 3 million items in 2025.Contact reporter Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.