This September, Your Library Card Comes with Big Perks

Every September, libraries across the country celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month — and this year, Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) is giving residents an extra reason to join in: the opportunity to take home a FREE pair of custom, book-themed Converse high-top sneakers and library-themed socks. 

Here's how it works. Sign up for a new VBPL library card anytime in September or simply show a staff member the card you already have (or a photo ID linked to your account), and you'll receive a code entering you into the shoe drawing. You can also register for Library Card Sign-Up Month through Beanstack — just show your card in person to collect your entry code. 

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month 

VBPL encourages you to register for a library card this month (and all year long). And there’s no better time to get a card than at the National Library Card Sign-up Month Community Celebration! From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 5, at the Joint-Use Library, kick off the celebration in style with local artist Heidi Joy who will lead a community art installation celebrating all the ways Virginia Beach loves its libraries. The piece will remain on display through Oct. 10, so there's plenty of time to stop by and see it grow. It is free and open to the public.

The month wraps up with the finale featuring Rainbow Puppet's “The Really Big Dinosaur Show" at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library. That's also when the 10 shoe winners will be announced. You don’t need to attend the event to win. Any winners who are not present for the announcement will be contacted by phone afterward to select their size and shoe color (grey, black, white, navy or yellow). Registration is required for the puppet show.

One Card, Endless Possibilities 

A library card opens the door to more than the shelves in your neighborhood branch.

• Borrow beyond books — think telescopes, surfboards, cake decorating kits, American Girl Dolls, STEM toys and more from the Library of Things. 
• Join free book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes and even try your hand at coding robots. 
• Access Wi-Fi, career coaching, 3D printing and digital tools to help you reach your goals. 
• Grow something new with the Seed Library, or spark your imagination with the Digital Library, available 24/7. 
• Write, create and connect in spaces designed for inspiration. 

This September, it might also open the door to a new pair of kicks. Already a cardholder? Just bring your card in and show it off. 

Don't have a card yet? Sign up at any VBPL branch or online at VirginiaBeach.gov/Library-Card.

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Find Something for All Ages & Stages!  

From storytimes for the youngest to support for the oldest, the City of Virginia Beach offers countless ways for kids, teens, adults, seniors and caregivers to stay active, informed, supported and involved. Now it’s easier than ever to discover City programs, assistance, resources and special events! A new webpage brings together City offerings for all ages in one easy-to-search location. You can also sign up for tailored email newsletters to stay up-to-date on things to do and City offerings. Want to find something to do in Virginia Beach? Visit VB Go or download the app to browse events across multiple calendars and even find parking!