Across Wisconsin: Celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month

Wisconsin State Librarian Ben Miller wrapped up library visits this week in celebration of September as National Library Card Sign-up Month—logging more than 700 miles and visiting six different library systems. Along the way, he saw firsthand how library staff are using the power of a simple library card to empower and connect their communities. 

From game night at Neshkoro Public Library to Cookbook Club at Green Lake’s Caestecker Public Library, librarians are finding fun and creative ways to bring neighbors together. Each stop underscored the vital role libraries play as the heart of their communities, whether through programming, innovative spaces, or partnerships. 

One highlight was Kenosha Kids @ Uptown Loft, a one-of-a-kind children’s library designed for ages birth to 11. Here, children learn through play—this month’s theme, “fall harvest,” invites them to pick apples from a tree or gather cranberries from a bog.

The playful environment, paired with a strong collection of books and thoughtful programming, makes learning come alive. 

At Johnson Public Library in Darlington, shelves are overflowing with children’s books thanks to a grant from the Children’s Book Council, which supported K–2nd grade readers. The additional funding will hopefully free up other dollars allowing the library to grow its graphic novel collection, expanding options for young readers. 

Libraries are rethinking how their spaces can serve the community. Menomonee Falls Public Library transformed an outdoor sitting area into a space for youth, while also dedicating a special section for tweens—an age group often overlooked. In Shullsburg, McCoy Public Library reimagined its library by adding a wall of windows to create a conference room and placing shelving and desks on rollers to make the space flexible for community events. 

Miller saw the many specialized resources libraries offer to meet unique patron needs. At Hazel Green Public Library, color corrective glasses are available for visitors with color vision deficiencies to sample before making a costly purchase. At Mineral Point Public Library, a 211-computer kiosk connects residents with critical information and support on issues such as elder care, housing, and substance abuse. 

The tour also stopped in Green Bay at the Brown County Central Library, where Miller joined in a ribbon-cutting for a new Job Center located inside the library. This partnership provides residents with greater access to workforce development tools and career resources, strengthening both the library and the community it serves. 

Every stop on the journey highlighted the creativity, resilience, and commitment of Wisconsin’s libraries. National Library Card Sign-up Month is a reminder that a library card is more than a ticket to books—it’s a key to community, learning, and opportunity.