Get a library card, get a pet for free

Angela, an adoptable mixed-breed, gets some love from Lisa Van Aken, a volunteer with Marion County Animal Services, during a public event on Oct. 15, 2023. Throughout September, local library card holders can a MCAS shelter pet for free. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month at public libraries across the country, including the nine branches in the Marion County Public Library System.

And this month, in addition to a library card allowing access to books in print and on audio, DVDs and CDs, online reference databases, genealogy, legal information, demographics, hobbies, language learning and more, patrons locally can adopt a pet for free.

The Marion County Public Library System is partnering with Marion County Animal Services and during September every library card holder who wishes to adopt a MCAS shelter animal can do so for free.

To further support the county shelter, all library system locations will be accepting donations from the public.

“And for patrons who may have overdue library fines, erase them by donating to the animal services shelter. Check with circulation staff at your local library branch for a list of donated items and the monetary equivalent to get rid of those overdue fines,” noted the news release.

Also during September, all new library card holders will receive a Pet Rock kit, compliments of Kenny’s Place Nursery.

“Enjoy an adventure where rocks take on the visual characteristics of a variety of furry and feathered friends. Display your artwork or share with family and friends,” the release offered.

For more information, go to library.marionfl.org, call (352) 671-8551 or find pages on social media at @mcflpubliclibrary for Instagram and @MCPLibrary on Facebook.