Nogales libraries mark National Library Card Month, promote online sign-up and cultural passes

Karina Martinez, the library supervisor, told the Nogales Public Library Board of Trustees that September is National Library Card Sign-up Month and urged residents to obtain or renew free library cards. "September is a special month because we're celebrating, national library card sign up month," Martinez said, describing a new locally designed library card and outreach planned at all branches. She said patrons can obtain a card online through the city website or in person at any of the four branches and that staff will call patrons after a submitted online form to provide card numbers or arrange pickup.

The library highlighted services available to cardholders beyond books and movies, including online resources, program registration and cultural passes that grant free admission for two people at participating museums and zoos. Martinez described the cultural-pass process: patrons take a pass from a rack and present their card at the desk to receive two entries at the site. "It is free with your library card, and again your library card is free," she said.

Board members asked whether nonresidents, including people from outside Santa Cruz County and from Mexico, may receive cards; Martinez said the library issues cards to anyone who provides contact information (name, phone number, email). A board member asked about tracking sign-ups; Martinez said branch-level statistics are maintained monthly and she can share September results at the October meeting.

The board also discussed promotional materials: a new poster and card design by a local artist will be distributed, and Friends of the Library volunteers offered to display materials in their booths. The Friends group confirmed they will promote card sign-ups at upcoming events, including the Santa Cruz County Fair.

No formal action was taken; the item was presented as information and the board requested tracking data on card sign-ups for the next meeting.