For those who are without this essential item, September, National Library Card Sign-up Month, is the perfect time to get one and put it to use.

Southern Pines Public Library is joining libraries across the country to promote this special month by offering a variety of events and programs for all ages.

During September, adults and children who sign up for new cards or renew expired cards will be entered in prize drawings for gift certificates to local restaurants and ice cream parlors. Valid card holders who check out ten or more items or who complete a brief user survey may also register for the drawings.

"We want to remind people that a library card is the smartest card you can carry in your wallet," Library Director Lynn Thompson says. "It can give you access to books, information, DVDs, the Internet and more."

The first event is "Dedication Day," honoring the 11 years since the Southern Pines Public Library first opened the doors at its presentlocation. On Sunday, Sept. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m., the public is invited to stop by the library, enjoy refreshments, and chat with members of the Friends Board. Pictures and information about Friends-sponsored projects will be on display.

"Dedication Day is a time to reflect upon the library's unique past as well as to look at the ways the library is charging ahead into the 21st century," says Friends President Susie Boals.

The drums will be calling visitors to the Library on Sunday, Sept. 17, as "Explorations: A Forum for Adults" presents the Waraba Sanou Dance and Drum Ensemble. Currently based in Wilmington, the ensemble is directed by Cheick Sissoko who is originally from the Ivory Coast of West Africa. The program will be from 3 to 4 p.m.

"Everyone is invited to this exciting performance of traditional African dances and rhythms sponsored by the Friends," says Thompson.

Students in grades 68 are invited to get back into the swing of the school year on Tuesday, Sept. 19, as "Pizza with Pizzazz" presents "Change Your Locker from Drab to FAB!" Participants will have an opportunity to craft locker magnets and organizers that reflect their personality. The program is from 5 to 6 p.m., and free pizza will be served courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

For infants, toddlers, and their parents, the Library offers "Read to Your Bunny Story Time" on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

"Join us for books, music, rhymes, and flannel board stories all designed to help parents and children share in fun language development activities," says the program's presenter, Library Assistant Missy Miller. Infant Bunnies (birth14 mos.) meet from 4 to 4:15 p.m. and Toddler Bunnies (15-36 mos.) meet from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will hold its first meeting of the year on Monday, Sept. 25, from 6 to 7 p.m.. Interested high school students are invited to attend, eat pizza, and make plans for the new year. Last year's TAB hosted several successful events, including a version of Dating Game.

The Library's Saturday Morning Live programs return on Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. Children in grades K-2 will journey "Under the Sea" with stories and crafts about the creatures that live below.

With prizes, programs, and a wealth of resources and information, it's no wonder those in the know advocate that everyone should have a library card. The slogan for Library Card Sign-Up Month certainly makes no bones about it: "The Smartest Card. Get It. Use It. @ Your Library."

For more information on how you can use your "Smartest Card," visit the Southern Pines Public Library at 170 West Connecticut Avenue, call 692-8235 or see the library's Web site at www.sppl.net.