The Opp Public Library is encouraging reading, officials said Friday.

“September is National Library Card Sign Up Month,” OPL Director Courtney Smart said. “School has started back, but does your student have all of their school supplies? Opp Public Library wants to remind every parent that a library card can be an essential school supply for all children.”

Smart said the library is a place full of knowledge and fun.

“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” she said. “They bridge the learning gap by offering a wide range of digital and print resources, as well as offering free access to technology and innovative educational programming.”

Smart said the library is continuing to transform and expand its services to meet the needs of the community.

“Remember, if you live in Opp or anywhere in Covington County, a library card is 100 percent free,” she said. “If you live inside the city limits of Andalusia or Florala, we do have to charge for card. The fee is $10 every six months.”

Smart said any student attending Opp or Fleeta who checks out a book during September will be entered for a chance to win a gift basket filled with school supplies.

For more info, call 493-6423.