10 Reasons to Get a Delaware Library Card

Library cards are a fastpass to information, resources, and useful services. There are endless amounts of experiences that libraries can provide from storytime with families to health literacy. Library cards come at no cost to the user and only lead to a world of benefits. Not only are you able to access materials at the library, you’ll also be able to use them right from the comforts of your own home either through physical materials you’ve borrowed or through online access using your library card.

Need more reasons to sign up for your library card from your local Delaware Public Library?

Here are 10 reasons why you should get one today.

1) Books Galore

One of the most well-known aspects of a library is free books to borrow. Delaware Libraries offers over 3.2 million items available on a variety of topics and spanning many genres. If you’re unsure where to start you can take your time browsing the shelves or ask a librarian for their recommendations. 

Get started with a Delaware Library card today!

2) Technology 

Libraries have grown with the times and that means bringing in diverse technology for patrons to use and explore. Computers and printers are some of the basic pieces of technology that libraries have. Many are also implementing 3D printers and have subscription programs that can be used through their computers. 

3) Entertainment Beyond Imagine

It isn’t just books from the library that can bring you hours of entertainment. There are also plenty of options in the form of movies, video games, TV shows, and music that you can borrow from the library. These can be great to enjoy on your own or with friends and family at a movie night.

4) Research Support

The wealth of information that libraries can provide is unmatched. The great thing about having a library card is that you have access to online databases and peer-reviewed journals. These are especially useful for research projects but can also be used by anyone who is interested in learning more about a topic from credible sources.  Many public libraries also offer local community history and genealogy collections.

5) Internet Anywhere

The library offers free WiFi to patrons that walk through their doors, but did you also know you can take it home with you too? Delaware Libraries allow library card holders to check out WiFi hotspots so they can continue their work from home. You can also borrow a Chromebook if you need a device to use the internet on. 

6) Thoughtful Programming

There are plenty of library programs at the Delaware Libraries that are fun and educational.  Check out our full virtual event calendar.  There are also summer reading programs, music concerts, and virtual events that the library hosts.

7) Access from Home

eMedia is another perk that comes with having a library card. The Delaware Libraries gives users online access to OverDrive, Flipster, and hoopla. It also gives people the option to manage and browse library resources from home through the DLC mobile app. Users are able to link accounts, renew materials, place holds, search the library catalog, and even ask librarians questions.

Every $10 we raise helps us reach 1,000 more Delawareans to encourage them to get a library card!

8) Literacy Resources

Delaware Libraries are in the literacy business.  For the youngest Delawareans, Delaware Libraries offers Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  Children from birth through age 5 are mailed a free book every month.  Storytimes and other literacy programs are scheduled routinely at each public library.  Delaware Libraries also announced the launch of the Northstar Digital Literacy tool, an online training tool for basic computer skills.  Delaware Libraries have partnered with Literacy Delaware to provide in-depth assistance for adults with low English and/or literacy skills to further support their achievement.

9) Connecting With Other Libraries

Libraries are also about community so those who sign up for a library card through their own Delaware Public Library branch will also be connected to libraries all throughout Delaware and the nation. If something you’re looking for isn’t available at your branch, it can easily be requested from another Delaware public library and sent to your branch, which saves you the trouble of having to drive and search. If it’s not available in Delaware, most items can be borrowed through interlibrary loan agreements with other public libraries throughout the United States.

10) Supporting the Community

Signing up for a library card shows that you are all about supporting their mission in providing free and open access to knowledge for everyone. Libraries are some of the most democratic institutions in the world as one of the last few democratic places that require nothing of their visitors. By registering for a card, you are demonstrating that you believe in what the library stands for. 

There is always time to sign up for a library card. Not only do you benefit from the free resources and programs available, a library card gives you another opportunity to visit the library and discover all of the cool things you can learn about and participate in.  Whatever your passion, the library supports it!