CHESTERTOWN — In observance of September as National Library Card Sign-Up Month, Kent County Public Library is joining the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to encourage community members to connect with their library and the wealth of resources it offers.
A library card can save you so much money because it lets you borrow items for free.
You know that libraries have books, but that’s just the start of what you can borrow at the KCPL locations in Chestertown, Galena and Rock Hall. Check out video games, graphic novels, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) kits, board games, activity kits, magazines and more — all at no cost.
A Kent County Public Library card also is the key to the e-library from any device with internet access. Inside the e-library, you can access e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines; thousands of free online classes; live homework help from online tutors for kindergarten through college; apps to help you learn a new language; test prep for GED, college and military entrance exams and career certification tests; and family history and genealogy search tools.
Just like the items on the physical shelves, everything in the e-library is free to use with your library card.
Signing up for a KCPL library card is easy.
It’s free for Maryland residents, including current Washington College students.
Nonresidents can get a card for a $10 annual fee.
To apply, you will need a current valid photo ID and proof of current address or documentation of no fixed address.
A parent or guardian must co-sign for library users under age 18.
Visit kentcountylibrary.org to register for a temporary limited-access card online or stop by any KCPL location to fill out an application and start borrowing materials immediately. Library locales are: Chestertown branch, 408 High St.; North County branch, 119 N. Main St., Galena; and Rock Hall branch, 21258 Rock Hall Ave.
Kent County Public Library is part of the Eastern Shore Regional Library Consortium, which also includes public libraries in Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. This means that you can use your KCPL card at all public libraries in these counties, or if you already have a library card from one of these other library systems, you can use it at KCPL. No new card is needed.
KCPL is a fine-free library; i.e., there are no overdue fees.
While there are charges if items are lost, damaged or not returned, you don’t need to worry about bringing things back a little later than the due date. Plus, you can sign up for reminders via email or text message to help you remember due dates.
If you’re looking for a book that isn’t in the KCPL catalog, it can be borrowed from another library — in Maryland or out of state — at no cost. “We can’t guarantee your request will be filled, but it never hurts to ask and we’ll do our best to find what you need,” a news release states.
Whether you have a library card or not, you can take advantage of free programs for all ages and many other services, including Wi-Fi, printing, public computers, quiet study spaces, local newspapers, reading recommendations, help with technology and welcoming community spaces.
For more information, visit kentcountylibrary.org, call 410-778-3636 or stop by any of the three branches.
