Born Reader Library Cards
What is the Born Reader Card?
The Born Reader card is a library card for babies and young children in Mecklenburg County who can not yet write their own names (a requirement for a Juvenile library card). Children with a Born Reader card can check out up to 20 items at one time. The Born Reader cards are automatically designated Juvenile Limited (JL) cards, meaning children with these cards can only check out materials catalogued as children’s materials. These include all materials labeled E (easy), J (juvenile), or YA (young adult).
Why does PLCMC offer the Born Reader card?
PLCMC believes, and research shows, that the sooner parents begin reading to their young children, the faster language develops and the better equipped a child will be with pre-reading skills essential to mastering the ability to read. The Born Reader card is intended to be a reminder to parents that it is never too early to start. It also complements our mission to create "life-long" learners and as we know, learning starts at birth, not when a child can write his or her name.
How is the Born Reader card different from a Juvenile card?
In order to receive a Juvenile card, a child must be able to write his or her name on the application. Children with Juvenile cards are able to check out up to 99 library items at one time. Also, if their parents or guardians so choose, children with juvenile cards can check out any library items – not just those catalogued as children’s. The card itself looks different as well- there are two different options- both say "I'm a Born Reader." One has a picture of a bunny on it and the newest design has a picture of two bears reading together.
Does a child have to give up their Born Reader card when they can write their name?
No. But at some point, we think that getting a “grown up” card will become a rite of passage. And if the parent wants the card to be anything other than JL or have the limit of 20 items lifted, they will need to move up to a regular juvenile card with check-out options.
How does my child get a Born Reader card?
Fill out the card application for children 12 and under. Leave the signature line on the front blank (this is where children sign their own names). Then simply sign the line on the back for parents or guardians. Parents and guardians of Born Readers don’t need to choose what type of borrowing privileges their children will have since Born Reader cards are automatically designated JL.
Fill out the Card Application (Abobe Acrobat Reader Required)
Then return the application to any of our library locations.
What if someone loses his or her Born Reader card? Can they get another?
Sure. The charge for lost cards is the same for lost Born Reader cards, $2.00.
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