Adelyn Pinyan of Madison frequently uses her library card to check out books, which she sometimes reads to her dog, Matt Damon. September is Library Card Sign-up Month. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – A passport to any country, scenario or story is free to everyone, and September pays tribute as Library Card Sign-up Month.

“Studies show that children who are read to in the home and use the library perform better in school,” director of public relations Laura McPhail said.

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is joining the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide to confirm all students have the most important school supply — a free library card.

At the Madison branch, children can bring a photo of themselves with their dog. Everyone participating can select a free book from Friends of the Library Bookstore and have their photo posted on a wall at the library.

At the end of September, children with the first-, second- and third-place pet photos will win a Friends of the Library tote bag. For more information, call Amanda Campbell at 256-461-0046 or email to acampbell@hmcpl.org.

“In honor of Snoopy, honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month, the downtown Huntsville library is on the hunt for its own official canine champion. Enter your furry friend in our ‘Library Top Dog Photo Contest,'” McPhail said.

Guest judges will select the winning dog. To enter, send one photo (one entry per family) to asprogramming@hmcpl.org by Sept. 30.

Also downtown, the Information and Business Center will offer weekly library tours and conduct an Educators’ Open House on Sept. 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. Librarians will offer an introduction to the library’s online resources, including a demonstration of the Alabama Virtual Library.

Adults signing up during September will be eligible for a drawing for a one-year free membership to Friends of the Library. “Librarians will visit all kindergarten classrooms in Madison County to provide your new kindergartners with the most important card of their school careers and beyond,” McPhail said.

Executive Director Laurel Best said the library helps preschoolers in early literacy; youth with science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs; and teenagers with college-preparatory needs.

For more information, visit hmcpl.org.