Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL) is proud to announce the success of this year’s Library Card Sign-Up Month, with 845 new or renewed library cards issued throughout September. The initiative encouraged County residents to sign up for new cards or renew expired ones, offering a chance to win exciting prizes, courtesy of the Friends of the Schenectady County Public Library.
“Libraries are the heart of our community, offering so much more than books,” said Schenectady County Legislator Haileab Samuel, Chair of the Education & Library Committee. “This successful sign-up campaign shows how much our residents value the resources, learning opportunities, and sense of connection that our libraries provide.”
The month-long campaign concluded with a prize drawing, with adults having the chance to win an iPad or Kindle, and younger patrons vying for a Nintendo Switch.
Residents who don’t have a library card, or those with expired cards, are encouraged to sign up to start gaining access to all the benefits SCPL offers, including books, digital resources, educational programs, and community events.
Ways to Sign Up for a Library Card
- Online: Visit www.scpl.org to sign up for your library card from the comfort of your home.
- In-Person: Stop by any SCPL branch, where friendly staff will assist you in signing up or renewing your card.
Discover the Benefits of Your SCPL Library Card
A SCPL library card is more than just access to books; it’s a gateway to a world of resources, services, and programs for all ages and interests. Here’s a glimpse of what your card can do for you:
- Access to Public Computers: Use the internet and various software applications.
- Copying/Printing/Scanning/Fax Services: Convenient access to essential office services.
- Classes and Programs: A wide array of offerings for all ages, from story times to technology workshops.
- Research Materials: Access to specialized resources not found online, including databases like Ancestry.com, Mango Languages, and America's News with digitized versions of local newspapers.
- Digital Resources: Thousands of eBooks, comic books, music, movies, and audiobooks available through Hoopla and Libby.
- Expert Assistance: Knowledgeable staff ready to help you find what you need, whether in-person, online, or by phone.
Investing in Our Libraries
Schenectady County is proud to support a county-wide library system with nine branches to better serve our communities. Since 2010, the County Legislature has invested over $14 million in infrastructure improvements for the Schenectady County Public Library System, including:
- Building two new neighborhood libraries—Phyllis Bornt and Mont Pleasant.
- Adding a children’s wing at the Hon. Karen B. Johnson (Central) Library.
- Expanding program spaces, updating paint, seating, and window coverings, and upgrading technology to provide Wi-Fi and computer access.
- Adding a new community room at the Scotia branch.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Improving parking, sidewalks, and installing new circulation desks to enhance accessibility.
The 2024-2029 Capital Budget passed by the County Legislature in October 2023 includes more than $2.3 million in library infrastructure projects for 2024 including interior, exterior, and parking lot improvements.
About Schenectady County Public Library
The Schenectady County Public Library system serves the community with nine branches, offering a wide range of resources, programs, and services to residents of all ages. SCPL is dedicated to promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.scpl.org.