(Posted Sept. 5, 2024)
This September, London Public Library is hosting the Norma Freeman Library Card Drive, a month-long initiative aimed at encouraging everyone to experience the wonders of the library by taking the first step—opening a library card.
To obtain a library card, patrons must present a valid state ID with an up-to-date address. The entire process takes less than five minutes, and anyone aged 5 and older is eligible to receive a card. Each card drive participant will receive a coupon for free small fries from McDonald’s and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card.
Current library cardholders are also invited to participate. By updating their contact information (address, phone number, and email) at the library, they can receive the same rewards—a McDonald’s coupon and a chance to win an Amazon gift card.
For those who need to replace a lost or damaged card, the library is offering free
replacements through September. Whether your card is worn out, lost, or you just want the newest card, the library will give any patron an updated card and waive the associated fee.
Honoring Norma Freeman
The card drive is named in honor of Norma Freeman, a dedicated library patron whose childhood experiences with libraries were marked by perseverance and resilience. In her book, Freeman recounts a story of how she was initially denied access to a library card due to discriminatory practices. Despite the challenges, her love for reading only grew stronger. She eventually became a lifelong advocate for the value of libraries and the joy of reading.
Excerpt from Norma Freeman’s Book
“In the third grade, the teacher walked the class to visit the public library. I had never seen so many books before and was quite taken when told that we could apply for a library card so that we could borrow books and take them home to read. I hastened to request an application and was told that I had to have a property owner sign the card so that if I failed to return a book on time or lost a book, the property owner would be responsible for paying a fine. I asked my grandfather but he was afraid that somehow it would affect his business and he would not sign. I then went to Grandma Cunningham who expressed the same fear but after several weeks of begging, she agreed to give her authorization. I turned in the application and was told that the library board would have to approve it. In the meantime, all of my classmates had received their cards and were already borrowing books–another example of prejudice and discrimination in my younger years.
“Sadly, that was not the end of the story. Before I received my library card, I
would stop at the library and read books before I went home from school. The librarian suggested that I was stopping too much and that I should stop every other day instead. After receiving my card, I borrowed a book every day, returning it the following day and picking out another book for that evening’s reading. The librarian again stopped me and told me that I was reading too much and I could not get a book that often! I struggled with these rules but fortunately it did not dampen my love of reading. I have always been an incessant reader and an eager learner and that has continued for my lifetime. As a result, I have many books on several bookshelves in my home now. I’m not sure whether I am book rich or book poor.
“Just two years ago, I elected to receive library books delivered by volunteers to senior citizens from our local library. I shared the story of my earlier years and the library representative generously apologized and assured me that I could borrow up to 50 books per week if I desired. With this exchange, I was finally able to let go of that long ago hurt!”
Community Invitation
London Public Library invites everyone to join in this celebration of reading and community. By participating in the Norma Freeman Library Card Drive, the community can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of a library card.
For more details, visit the library’s website, mylondonlibrary.org, or contact the library directly, (740) 852-9543. The library is located at 20 E. First St.