Encourages Residents to Sign-up for a New Card or Renew Expired Cards
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Schenectady County Public Library (SCPL) is celebrating in a big way! Throughout the month, County residents are encouraged to sign up for a new library card or renew their expired card for a chance to win some incredible 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. “They provide invaluable resources, support lifelong learning, and create spaces for connection and discovery. Library Card Sign-up Month is a fantastic opportunity for residents who haven’t visited—or those who’ve let their card lapse—to come in and explore everything our libraries have to offer.”
For patrons 18 years and older, the grand prize is a choice between an iPad or a Kindle. Younger patrons, 17 and under, will have the chance to win a Nintendo Switch. The prize drawing will take place on October 4, 2024. To enter, eligible patrons must not only sign up for a new library card or renew an expired one during September but also complete and submit an entry form in-person at one of the nine branch libraries.
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.
Currently, more than 62,000 Schenectady County residents are SCPL cardholders, and this month-long celebration is a perfect opportunity to join this community or rediscover what your library has to offer. For more information, visit www.scpl.org or contact us at (518) 388-4500.
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.