Norfolk, VA (August 24, 2009) – Parents, in the mad rush to gather everything on your child’s back-to-school supply list, Norfolk Public Library would like to remind you that a library card is the most important school supply of all. September is National Library Card Sign-up Month and parents are encouraged to participate by making sure that both they and their children have library cards, and use them frequently.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning (www.ala.org, 2009). An NPL card provides FREE access to a variety of resources and programs, the Internet, DVD’s/CD’s, and thousands of best selling books and audio books.

The benefits of library card ownership never cease. This year, the library will partner with National Maritime Center Nauticus, The Chrysler Museum and Norfolk Botanical Garden to offer the following perks to NPL cardholders during the month of September: