Endless possibilities: Exhibit showcases the importance of libraries

More than 1,000 library cards from around the United States and the world are currently on display in the Northport Library gallery, an exhibit highlighting the importance of libraries and their role in communities across the globe.

Curated by Librarian Kathryn Heaviside, the exhibit will be on display for the month of September, designated in 1987 as Library Card Sign-Up Month. Heavyside emailed hundreds of libraries in an effort to collect the cards. "The responses I got were so wonderful, supportive and kind," she told the Journal. "They loved the project and could not wait to see it."

Library Card Sign-up Month is held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the American Library Association and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.

The Northport exhibit currently has on view library cards from all fifty states and countries like Ireland, Lebanon, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, England and more. “With libraries under attack and funding on the line, what better way to show how important libraries are for everyone,” Heavyside said. “We would love this display to encourage reading and inspire patrons. We hope that it contributes to illustrating the diverse range of libraries and their significance to the communities they serve – how truly important they are.”