Do you have a Suffolk Public Library card? Do you know the power such a card possesses?

A Suffolk Public Library card can open many doors providing opportunities to expand your mind, broaden your technology skills and enhance your future. All of this through a single card that is free and available to all Suffolk residents ages 5 and up.

September offers a unique chance for you to turn your new library card into something special, as September has been designated the 2012 Library Card Sign-Up Month. The American Library Association has enlisted NFL star and Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu to assist with the nationwide push to encourage parents and children to get a library card.

Anyone who signs up for a library card in the month of September will have their name entered into a drawing to be featured on their very own READ poster courtesy of the Suffolk Public Library System. The poster will feature the lucky winner proudly holding one of his or her favorite books. One winner will be selected from each branch during the first week in October. This offer is also open to anyone renewing or replacing a library card.

The Suffolk Public Library system has three locations to visit and also operates a bookmobile. The system provides free services to all residents of the city of Suffolk, as well as serving Virginia and North Carolina residents.

The library system holds over 220,000 materials including books, newspapers, magazines, and audiobooks available on compact discs, cassette tapes and MP3s. In addition, the library system has access to databases with journals and articles, news and reading suggestions, and patrons can access e-book libraries as well.

In total, approximately 350,000 items are checked out from all the branches in the Suffolk Public Library System each year. In addition to these items, many people enter the library to utilize print and electronic reference resources, access the Internet, enjoy state-of-the-art Wi-fi service, or attend library events.

For more information, contact any of the three Suffolk Public Libraries. Locations include:

• Morgan Memorial Library, 443 W. Washington St., 514-7323
• Chuckatuck Branch Library, 5881 Godwin Blvd., 514-7310
• North Suffolk Library, 2000 Bennett’s Creek Park Road, 514-7150