Designating and recognizing September as Library Card Sign-up Month in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The Free Library of Philadelphia was incorporated in 1891 and began operating out of City Hall in 1894. Since then, the Free Library of Philadelphia has grown to include 54 branches across the City of Philadelphia that connect children with an abundance of literature and encourage families and neighborhoods to learn together; and

WHEREAS, Library Card Sign-up Month aims to remind students and parents that a library card is an essential school supply; and

WHEREAS, Library cards provide access to books, programming, homework help and technology that many children do not have at home; and

WHEREAS, Nearly half of all adults in the City of Philadelphia are considered low literate, meaning they have trouble reading typical job applications or road signs; and

WHEREAS, Access to libraries is shown to improve literacy, which is fundamental to all areas of learning; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has recognized that libraries operate as leaders and change agents within our neighborhoods. Obtaining a library card is the first step in advancing literacy and building communities devoted to learning; and

WHEREAS, Library cards encourage a lasting love of learning; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That September is recognized as Library Card Sign-up Month in the City of Philadelphia.

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