As parents and little ones pack up new book bags with fresh school supplies in preparation for the first day of school, libraries across New Jersey are gearing up for National Library Card Signup Month. Local libraries across the state spend the month of September encouraging the community to sign up for a library card and take advantage of the countless free features and programs that your library card can grant you. This guide will show you which public libraries feature programs, offers, and giveaways this September that can make the back-to-school process stress-free.

Psst! Did you know your library card can get you discounts and special rates at super cool museums in the tri-state area? Check out our full guide here.

Time to sign up for a library card ?

Bergen County:

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At Mahwah Public Library, when a child signs up for a library card they get a free book to take home to add to their personal collection.

Burlington County:

“We will be out in force throughout the county attending an array of events from street fairs to Back to School events. Our emphasis is to sign up as many county residents as we can for Library Cards. We will have giveaways and tons of Burlington County Library System information to spread our message inviting the communities into our locations for materials, programming, information and by going to our website.”
– Burlington County Library System

Camden County:

The Camden County Library System offers First Visit Kits for little ones who sign up for their very first library card with the First Steps in Lifelong Learning Program. Kits include a stylish bag and a board book to take home. Sign up for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and your child will be entered to win prizes with each reading accomplishment they meet.

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Libraries provide the gateway to a world of opportunity and discovery. If you don’t already have a library card, I encourage you to get one.
– Freeholder Bill Moen, liaison to the Camden County Library System

Cape May County:

The Cape May County Library System is offering special giveaways for children who sign up for their own library card in the month of September. The Children’s Department(ages 5 – 12) will receive a new backpack filled with school supplies. The Teen Department enters teens who sign up for a library card into a raffle to win a surprise gift.

Gloucester County:

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Deptford Free Public Library features two programs in the month of September to celebrate Library Card Signup Month. During the Deptford Double Check, local businesses will be offering discounts or other perks to DFPL card-holders who show their library card. Some of these businesses include the Philly Pretzel Factory, Mattress Warehouse, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Uno Pizzeria & Grill, DHY Motorsports, Jenny Craig, Schoolhouse Physical Therapy, and LOFT. During Amnesty Week, if you have any materials from the library that are overdue, you may return them during that week and they will waive the late fees that have accumulated from those items.

Hunterdon County:

Show your Hunterdon County Library Card from any of the ten branches, or Flemington Free Public Library Card at participating businesses such as Be Here Now Yoga, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market, The Book Garden, and Jersey Mike’s Subs for special discounts. Check out the full list here.

Union County:

At Fanwood Memorial Library, sign up for Friends of the Library and help your local branch be the best it can be. Receive special perks including discounts(10% or more) at participating businesses such as Fanwood Bagel, Fanwood Grill, and The Town Book Store in Westfield.