Reasons to come in, belong to libraries

Lynne Zeiher

Pierce County Library System

October is a big month at the Pierce County Library branches, including the Peninsula Branch in Gig Harbor and the Key Center Branch in Lakebay.

There are great reasons to come in, and great reasons to get a card, especially if you haven’t come in for a while.

Interested in a Wii? Starting Oct. 1, the library began its second annual Library Card Campaign to encourage everyone to sign up.

In addition to free services available via a library card, getting one this month might also win you a cool prize. Three lucky card holders will win a new Nintendo Wii, and many more will win a flash drive. Everyone who gets a card this month will receive an entry into the contest.

We haven’t forgotten our loyal regular card holders, either. Whoever brings in a friend who gets a new card will also receive an entry into the prize contest.

Getting a PCLS card is easy: You can get one at any Pierce County Library System branch. You can even sign up online at piercecountylibrary.org and use your card immediately to reserve books or use our databases and services.

On Oct. 25-26, our neighbors at Borders Books and Music will celebrate their first anniversary and have invited us give out library cards from 1 to 3 p.m. They have other events planned, so drop by there next time you visit the Peninsula Library.

Join the Friends

You can also become a card-carrying member and supporter of the Friends of the Peninsula or Key Center Libraries. It’s a good time to join, since they are in the middle of their annual membership drive.

There is also an extra incentive to join now. All new and renewing members will receive a free Friends of the Peninsula Library book bag made of earth-friendly materials.

Poetry and a workshop

They also sponsor a variety of programs in order to keep them free for the public. They are currently hosting an Autumn Poetry Spectacular featuring four renowned local poets.

One of the feature events of the “Spectacular” will be a free poetry workshop given by Washington State’s poet laureate, Sam Green. The workshop will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, from noon to 4 p.m. The sign-up period for the workshop is open.

Green’s poetry reading last spring, also sponsored by the Peninsula Friends, was very popular, so we are expecting a high demand for the limited number of spaces available. Call 253-851-3793 or drop by the Peninsula Library to register.

Film and games

CinemaGig, the free movie series at the Peninsula Library, is also presented by the Friends group. Their next film is “Lars and the Real Girl” at 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

In November, they will show “Kenny,” the surprise hit comedy from Australia.

If being a Friend sounds good, think about going to their annual general meeting on from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21.

It’s a good time to learn about their activities, and the program will be filled with gaming fun. They will have Wii Sports, Nintendo DS — Brain Age and Guitar Hero — for everyone to try.

It will be a great opportunity to experience the popular games and find out exactly what they are.

We hope you will come to the Library to play with your new Friends.

Lynne Zeiher works for in the Pierce County Library System. She can be reached at LZeiher@