Each year the American Library Association recognizes September as National Library Card Sign-Up Month. The nationwide effort is designed to promote academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Effective Sept. 1 the New Braunfels City Council approved free library cards for residents who live in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction or in an area that the United States Postal Service has designated as having a mailing address in New Braunfels.

According to a news release, city officials met with representatives of Comal County and the Canyon Lake Community Library District to work out the details of extending library services to the underserved areas of the county.

“I’m very appreciative to Commissioners Court for giving us (the city of New Braunfels) the opportunity to respond to residents of that area,” Casteel said. “This is another example of government partners coming together to offer important services to our common residents.”

To obtain a card at no cost those residents should bring proof of address along with photo identification to any New Braunfels Public Library location. Residents in the new service areas who have paid a nonresident fee for service previously will be able to renew their library card at no additional charge.

The New Braunfels Public Library is also hosting a social media contest called “Get Carded” through Sept. 30 where patrons may take creative pictures and post them to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #NBPLGetCarded. The photos should demonstrate where their library card takes them, which could include a park or cooking a new recipe in the kitchen. Participants are not required to be in the photos. A winner will be chosen at random Oct. 1 and will receive a Kindle Fire.

“We are very excited to see what patrons come up with using #NBPLGetCarded. This event is a fun way for patrons to express how they enjoy all the important things a library card gives them access to—things like cooking a new recipe, reading at the park, learning a new language, and more,” Digital Services Librarian Miranda Robbins said in a statement.