New Ulm Public Library is celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month during the month of September! There are thousands of reasons why using the library is great; last week April shared eight reasons, and this week I’ll share eight more.

Reason nine: Great books on timely subjects! Are you looking for the latest book about current affairs? We’ve got that! Do you want to know more about the perfect “new” eating plan you’ve been hearing about? Yep, it’s probably at the library! And if you love history, we will have the much anticipated “Vietnam War: An Intimate History” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns. This is the companion book to the new Ken Burns documentary about the Vietnam War that is airing on PBS this month. I am happy to fulfill requests from you. Give me a call at the library (359-8335) or send me an email (lsieve@tds.lib.mn.us) with your requests.

Reason 10: Computer classes! Mankato Area Adult Basic Education teaches a rotating schedule of beginning computer classes every Monday evening. They are taught by Kati, who is very knowledgeable and enjoys helping you with your computer questions. Registration is required. Stop in or give me a call for the schedule. The class for Monday, September 18 will cover Windows 10.

Reason 11: WiFi hotspots! Save your data! Check out one of our three hotspots for WiFi on the go. They check out for one week on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reason 12: Downloadable ebooks and e-audiobooks! Library books from the convenience of your own home! Your New Ulm Public Library card entitles you to check out digital copies of thousands of titles. Downloadable ebooks and e-audiobooks are accessed through the “Overdrive” or “Libby” apps. Library staff will be happy to help you navigate the world of ebooks; just ask!

Reason 13: Newspapers! We have daily copies of the New Ulm Journal, Mankato Free Press and the Star Tribune. Ask at the Service Center to read the most recent copy. We also have weekly newspapers from the surrounding area, including Sleepy Eye, Lafayette, Hanska, Springfield and Comfrey. The current weekly papers are located upstairs in the nonfiction area, comfy chairs included.

Reason 14: Magazines! Stop in and browse our selection of popular magazines located near the public computers. We keep back issues of magazines for two years, and they are available to be checked out.

Reason 15: Interlibrary loans! Keep in mind, if New Ulm Public Library doesn’t carry something you are looking for, someone else probably does. We can order it in for you through interlibrary loan. We have access to items throughout Minnesota at no additional cost to you.

Reason 16: Reference staff! As one patron once told me, “You are relentless!” I like to think we are. We will do our best to answer any vexing questions you may have. So think of the library next time you are looking for information.

Watch for more great ways to use the library each week in September, and don’t forget to sign up for a library card! During September, each person who registers for a new library card will receive one prize entry. Each current cardholder who brings in a friend or family member to register for a new library card will receive one prize entry. You will get to select which prize you’d like to be registered for, and we’ll randomly draw from all entries in early October. The more people you bring to the library, the better chance you have to win a prize! The contest is open to all ages. Special thanks to the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library for sponsoring the prizes and programs for National Library Card Sign-Up Month!