Begin Reading Here - With My First Library Card!

Rock Island, IL: Great beginnings start with reading, and to help children build the habit, the Rock Island Public Library has rolled out a brand-new library card just for children under age 6.

My First Library Card acts like a library training card, introducing children ages birth to six to the wide variety of library materials that help develop their reading skills. Research shows that reading to children actively builds brain cells, strengthening existing connections, and adding new ones.

"We know that reading, and being read to, builds brain development, especially in the first five years," says Susan Foster, Rock Island Library Children's Services director. "Getting books into the hands of children is critical to their healthy development, and to their later capacity for reading and learning."

The card features the image and shape of Rock Island Library mascot Max Reader Mouse, and includes built in limits to help parents control use and teach good library habits. Children can use the card to check up out up to 10 children's items at Rock Island Library locations, with no overdue fines. "The limit helps parents keep track of what their children have checked out, and to help teach children how to take care of library items. Having your own library card is a simple way to build both responsibility and the love of reading at a young age," adds Foster.

The card is available to children ages birth to six living in the Rock Island Library service area, which includes residents of Rock Island, and of the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District. To apply, a parent or guardian must sign for the child and present a photo ID and proof of residency. Lost or damaged items will be billed to the parent or guardian.

Due to the fine forgiveness feature, My First Library Card may be used by the child only at Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, for Rock Island items. The card automatically expires on the child's sixth birthday, at which time the child will be invited to apply for a "big kid" library card.

Before the introduction of My First Library card, cards were only available for ages six and older.

For more information about Rock Island Library services and programs for children, teens and adults, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ (7323) or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

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