Check it out: Richmond Public Library celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month

Richmond Public Library is encouraging residents to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this September by exploring the wide range of opportunities a single card provides. Beyond checking out books, library cards give access to free classes, job resources, streaming media, cultural events, and more.

Library cardholders can borrow museum passes, laptops, and even blood pressure monitors. The system also hosts book clubs, movie nights, craft programs, lectures, and offers access to Wi-Fi, technology, and career resources for students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners.

Signing up is simple. Anyone can visit one of Richmond’s nine library locations with a current photo ID and proof of address to receive a card within minutes. Those unable to visit in person can apply for an eCard online at rvalibrary.org/services/get-card.

This month, patrons can also help shape the future of the library’s new online shop by voting on designs created by artist Ash Rudolph. The winning design will appear on T-shirts, mugs, bags, and other merchandise when the store launches in mid-October. Voting is available at all library locations or online.

To mark the occasion, the library will host Captain Curiosity: Found in the Stars, a family-friendly adventure show combining comedy with science lessons on stars, black holes, light, and color. Performances will take place at branches across the city:

• West End, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.

• Broad Rock, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m.

• Main, Sept. 16 at 11:15 a.m.

• Hull Street, Sept. 17 at 10:30 a.m.

• Belmont, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.

• East End, Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m.

• Westover Hills, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m.

• North Avenue, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m.

• Ginter Park, Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m.

More information on events and how to sign up for a card is available at rvalibrary.org/events/library-card-sign-up-month.