Get free library card online

Queens libraries are making a major push to get people of all ages to sign up for a free library card as part of National Library Week that will take place from April 2 – 8.
National Library Week is an annual event promoted by the American Library Association to create awareness of all of the positive benefits that libraries offer citizens.
This year, the Queens libraries are introducing a new wrinkle to make signing up for a library card even easier – online registration. Anyone 12 or older can take a minute to register at www.queenslibrary.org/librarycard/preregistration.asp for a free library card, after receiving the card in the mail they will have access to borrow books, videos, music CD’s and more from any Queens library branch.
“Online library card registrations are a new feature,” said Thomas W. Galante, Director of Queens Library. “We’ve also streamlined some of our policies so whether you are applying in person or online, it is easier than ever to get a library card. We hope more and more people will take advantage of the best deal in town.”
In addition to accessing those resources, the library also offers educational programs, book discussion groups, job information workshops, computer classes, and a host of other community events.
“Queens Library is doing extensive advertising and outreach so everyone is aware of how important a library card is, how easy it is to get and that it is absolutely free,” Galante said.
Queens has 63 community libraries, and for the fiscal year 2005, it had 18.9 million items in circulation making it one of the largest of any public library system in the world.
“Everyone in Queens can benefit from having and using a Queens Library card,” Galante said. “Young people find it especially useful for help with school assignments, but adults make up most of our customers.”