With three nearby locations, the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (KHCPL) has an extensive amount of services they offer outside of simply borrowing books. The month of September is officially National Library Card Signup Month and Kayla Skiles, head of circulation at KHCPL Main is hoping to reach as many people in our community to celebrate and share what our library has to offer.

Since 1987, The American Library Association has deemed September as National Library Card Signup Month. Throughout the month, Skiles arranged opportunities to get signed up for a library card. The library will host 16 events partnered with local businesses or organizations that offer a discount or incentive for signing up or showing your library card.

“I just want everyone to have a library card and benefit from it.” Skiles said.

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library serves residents of Center, Taylor, Howard, Clay, Ervin, Harrison, Honey Creek, and Monroe townships within Howard County. To sign up for a library card you must have a valid photo identification that includes your name and current address. Having a library card is the key to accessing valuable knowledge, entertainment, and resources all at no cost to you. Skiles described some of the additional benefits you get with your library card at KHCPL.

“There are digital apps, databases, streaming services, we offer on site services, and access to special technologies through the Digital Den. I love [the] Libby [app]. I am on the go a lot, and I love using the Libby app to read anytime I have my phone with me.”

When you visit the KHCPL website, you can gain access to over 50 databases or apps using your library card login. Necessary services like tax assistance, public notary, and making copies or sending faxes are available for a lower cost. Even our staff learned new things about the library.

“People are always surprised when we tell them about our To Your Door Service, where we can actually deliver your holds to your home. They are also surprised that you can return your books at any of our three library locations.” Skiles said.

In addition to encouraging everyone to sign up for a library card, the library is hosting a Library Card Design Contest where card holders of all ages are invited to submit a design for a new library card. Skiles said she is excited for the month’s events, but especially for the outcome of the contest.

“I’m excited to see the beautiful art designs that come in. The library represents our community, so it's very cool that the community will be designing something that represents us.”

Here’s all of the special events where you can get signed up for a library card and receive special perks for National Library Card Signup Month. For more information about these events, you can contact library circulation at 765-626-0831 or visit the KHCPL Website.

Friday, Sept. 13 | Noon- 5 p.m.
J. Edwards Fine Chocolates & Gourmet Cakes | 2106 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Sign up for a library card at J. Edwards Fine Chocolates & Gourmet Cakes and receive a milk chocolate cream when you show your library card.
Saturday, Sept. 14 | 9 - 11 a.m.
Jack’s Donuts | 3707 S. Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46902
Sign up for a library card at Jack’s Donuts to receive a free cream-filled donut. Existing card-holders can receive a 10 percent discount on their order.
Sunday, Sept. 15 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fazoli’s | 622 S. Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46902
Sign up for a library card at Fazoli’s! They have a special bookmark to help track your reading. Kids can read and track 5 books on their bookmark to receive a free kids meal at their next visit.
Monday, Sept. 16 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hacienda | 2006 S. Plate St., Kokomo, IN 46902
Sign up for a library card at Hacienda and when you show your library card you’ll receive a complementary sing serving of chips and a 4-ounce container of guacamole.
Monday, Sept. 16 | 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Kokomo Flipsters | 2378 W. Boulevard, Kokomo, IN 46902
Sign up for a library card at Kokomo Flipsters. Stop by for KHCPL’s Kindermusik program and learn about KHCPL’s New Baby Bunch Program.
Tuesday, Sept. 17 | Noon-3:00 p.m.
Kokomo Humane Society | 729 E. Hoffer St., Kokomo, IN 46902
Sign up for a library card at the Kokomo Humane Society, then visit the main lobby to receive 10 percent off your adoption fee with your new card.
Wednesday, Sept. 18 | All day
Cook McDoogal’s Irish Pub | 100 N. Main St., Kokomo, IN 46902
Show your library card at Cook McDoogal’s and receive 10 percent off cheeseburgers all day. Library staff will be present at the pub to help you sign up for a library card from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All ages are welcome to dine in until 9 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Panda Express | 1227 S. Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46902
Show your library card and receive an order of cream cheese rangoons with the purchase of any plate with fried rice.
Monday, Sept. 23 | 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Moore’s Pie Shop | 115 W. Elm St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Sign up for a library card at Moore’s Pie Shop. When you show your library card you can get a small chicken pot pie or a small sweet pie for 10 dollars.
Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Midwest Eye Consultants-Berkley Office | 2705 S Berkley Road, Kokomo, IN 46902
Stop by Midwest Eye Consultants-Berkley Office to celebrate National Punctuation Day. Pass an eye punctuation exam and win a prize. You can also sign up for a library card and receive a special prize from KHCPL.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 | Noon.-2 p.m.
Comics Cubed | 121 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Sign up for a library card at Comics Cubed. Receive a free comic book when you present your library card.
Thursday, Sept. 26 | All Day
IHOP | 50 W. 300 South, Kokomo, IN 46902
Receive a free short stack of pancakes when you show your library card. Library staff will be there to help you sign up for a library card at IHOP from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and you’ll receive 20% off your next visit.
Saturday, Sept. 28 | 9 - 11 a.m.
360 Nutrition | 208 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Sign up for a library card at 360 Nutrition and receive $2 off your purchase.
Saturday, Sept. 28 | 6-8 p.m.
KHCPL Russiaville | 315 Mesa Drive., Russiaville, IN 46979
The first 40 patrons to sign up for a library card during the Good Neighbor Bonfire and Food Truck Extravaganza at KHCPL Russiaville Branch will receive a free day pass to the Kokomo Family YMCA.
Sunday, Sept. 29 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Black Wax Cafe | 910 N. Washington St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Sign up for a library card at Black Wax Cafe and receive a special prize from KHCPL

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