Kerrville, Texas (Sept. 2, 2022) – This September, the ****-Holdsworth Memorial Library is joining the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time to remind parents, caregivers and students that a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.

A library card opens a world of infinite possibilities through resources and services that give students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. From STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs and family storytimes to makerspaces and online databases, libraries transform lives through education.

Libraries offer free and fun educational resources and activities that bring families and communities together. Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. 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 using the library as a source of lifetime learning

This year, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, have been named honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month. This September, Idina and Cara will join the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to sing the praises of a library card. Also in September, the sisters’ debut picture book, “Loud Mouse”, about a little mouse named Dee who loves to sing very loudly, will be released by Disney Hyperion.

As honorary chairs, Idina and Cara will remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. And during Library Card Sign-Up Month, they want you to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming.

"It's a little card that goes a loud way. Let your imagination sing at the library," says Idina, with Cara adding, “The library is where your imagination sings. Get your library card and 'check it out' today."

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. For more information about how to sign up for a library card, please contact the library reference desk at (830) 258-1274, or visit the city’s website at www.kerrvilletx.gov.