The Troy Public Library is inviting children and young people to stop by the library and sign up for the most important school supply of all, a library card.

Each September, the American Library Association sponsors Library Card Sign-up Month and public and school libraries across the country join together to remind parents that a library card is an important tool in achieving academic success.

And academic success has never been more affordable. In fact, it’s free.

“The Troy Public Library supports literacy education by providing teaching resources, free tutoring services and information and referral services as well as free access to music, DVDs, the Internet, books and more,” said William White, TPL director. “Public library programming and materials for children make a difference in the lives of students. By providing school-age children with engaging programs and amazing collections, students from all backgrounds become excited and enthusiastic readers.”

Of course, library cards aren’t just for kids.

“A recent report found that the importance of libraries in American life continued to grow in 2010 and accelerated dramatically as the national economy sank and people look for sources of cost-effective help in a time of crisis,” White said. “In fact, 70 percent of American adults have a library card. Now more than ever, Americans turn to –and depend on – their libraries and librarians for books, computer and Internet access, movies, music, free tutoring service and other services provided by our libraries.”

According to the 2010 Harris Interactive poll, more than 70 percent of American’s feel that by providing free access to materials and resources, public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.

As of 2009, 80 percent of libraries offer free homework help to students in their communities. Also, nearly all public libraries –99.1 percent –provide free Internet access. In addition, 71 percent of those libraries are the only free public access point to the Internet in their communities.