These days, with the economy continuing to flounder, and families finding it harder and harder to make ends meet, a library card may be the best bargain around.

Increased library usage during hard economic times has been a truism ever since the Great Depression. A recent study conducted by the American Library Association "confirms what librarians have seen from experience -- that in times of economic difficulties, people turn to their libraries and librarians," said ALA President John Berry.

Another truism may be that most people underestimate what their local library has to offer (hint: it's more than just books). To remind residents that their library card is truly the "Smartest Card" in their bookbags or wallets, Southern Pines Public Library is once again joining libraries across the country to promote Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.

Here are just a few ways to take advantage of the "Smartest Card" at Southern Pines Public Library:

- Give up Netflix. Instead of renting DVDs, borrow them for free at the library or attend the "Oldies & Goodies" film series.

- Create a cash cushion. From databases like Morningstar Investment Research Center to books and magazines on personal finance, the library can lead you to greater riches.

- Don't buy it, borrow it. Why buy bestsellers and pay for magazine and newspaper subscriptions, when the library offers them for free?

- Stay at home and save gas. Access your library account to renew items, view e-books, and even get real-time reference help when the library is closed through NCKnows -- all from the comfort of home.

- Plan your meals. Check out cookbooks for frugal, make-ahead recipes and for tips on freezing and canning foods.

- Just say no to iTunes. Don't pay to download music or subscribe to satellite radio when you can borrow a free audiobook from the library.

- Forge a new career path. Utilize the library's collection of resume and job placement handbooks and complete online job applications.

- Become Mr. or Ms. Fix-It. Instead of paying a handyman, consider learning how to do minor home repairs by borrowing a book or magazine from the library.

- Turn off the Xbox. Before purchasing that pricey new game for your child, try out TumbleBooks. Combining the tradition of a good storyline with animation, sound, music, and narration, TumbleBooks helps kids of all ages discover the joys of reading.

- Give up home Internet service: Use the library computers to check e-mail or bring in a laptop to take advantage of the free wi-fi.

As part of the month-long celebration, adults and children who sign up for new cards or renew expired cards at Southern Pines Public Library during September will be entered into prize drawings for gift certificates to The Country Bookshop. Valid card holders who check out 10 or more items may register for the drawings as well.

September also kicks off a new season of library programming.

The first event is Dedication Day, honoring the 13 years since Southern Pines Public Library first opened the doors at its present location. From 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, the public is invited to stop by the library, enjoy refreshments, and chat with Friends of the Library board members. Pictures and information about Friends-sponsored projects will be on display.

Film buffs can make plans to attend "Oldies & Goodies," the nostalgic film series for adults. "Love Me Tonight" will be shown from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. This classic 1932 musical stars Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald and features music by the great Rodgers & Hart (including "Isn't It Romantic?").

Because no child is ever too young for books, parents are encouraged to share stories, songs, and activities with infants and toddlers at the "Read to Your Bunny Story Time." Infant bunnies (birth14 months) will meet from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 2, 16, and 30. Toddler bunnies (15-36 months) will meet from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3 and 17.

The Library's Saturday Morning Live program returns at 11 a.m. Sept. 13. Children in grades K-2 will find themselves "Down on the Farm" with stories, songs, and crafts about our barnyard friends.

Ever wonder why your health care providers are so interested in your family medical history?

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, Leslie Deane of the Speakers Bureau for FirstHealth will present "Inheriting Your Health: What Your Family's Past Says about Your Future" as part of the "Explorations: A Forum for Adults" series.

Students in grades 68 are invited to get back into the swing of the school year Tuesday, Sept. 16, as Pizza with Pizzazz presents "Hoop it Up!" Participants will have an opportunity to make their own hula hoop and really shake things up. The program is from 5 to 6 p.m., and free pizza will be served courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will hold its first meeting of the year Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Interested high school students are invited to attend, eat pizza, and make plans for library programs. Last year's TAB hosted several fun events including an Interactive Mystery Night and a Be My Anti-Valentine Party.

"With free programs, prizes and a wealth of resources, there's no doubt that Southern Pines Public Library is the very best place to start for learning, discovery -- and bargains," says a spokesman.

For more information, visit the library at 170 West Connecticut Avenue, call 692-8235 or see the library's Web site at www.sppl.net.