PRESS RELEASES - AUGUST 2008

August 29, 2008

September is Library Card Sign-up Month
City Launches the New GOcard!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and the Arlington Public Library is launching the new GOcard especially for youth in grades pre-K through six.

The Mayor and Arlington City Council will issue a proclamation for Library Card Sign-up Month at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2 in Council Chamber. The City of Arlington will also debut the new GOcard video, which features Mayor Robert Cluck and more than 20 area youth at the library with their new cards. View the video on the City’s web site at www.arlingtontx.gov and Cable Channel 16.

“We named it the GOcard because libraries can take you anywhere you want to go,” said Director of Libraries Cary Siegfried. “The GOcard provides access to a goldmine of free books, movies, magazines, computers and homework help.”

Atmos Energy is a GOcard campaign sponsor, and will also be recognized Tuesday by the City Council for its role in the project.

“Reading is energy for the mind, and Atmos Energy believes it is the foundation for success in life,” said John Paris, president of Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division. “We believe in the youth of this community and we’re proud to work in a partnership with the library to encourage our leaders of tomorrow.”

Interim Arlington Independent School District Superintendent Jerry McCullough said the district is thankful to the City and Arlington Public Library for the resources offered to students.
“When we work together to focus on the education of our children, we as a community send a strong message - education is our priority,” he said.

The new GOcard was designed especially for youth by youth as part of an art competition held earlier this year in partnership with Arlington and Mansfield area schools. Three entries were selected. See the winning designs at www.arlingtonlibrary.org.

According to Library Development Officer Andi Davis, the first 1,500 youth to use their GOcard will receive free backpacks provided by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.

For more information about how to get a library card, visit www.arlingtonlibrary.org or call 817-459-6900.