Library cardholders eligible for Warwick IBA local business discounts

WARWICK-The Albert Wisner Public Library and the Warwick Independent Business Alliance have joined forces to raise awareness of the value and importance of supporting local businesses. During October, all Albert Wisner library cardholders will receive discounts and incentives at participating local businesses from Bed & Breakfasts, retail and professional services, restaurants and realtors. "We are very pleased to be partnering with the Albert Wisner Public Library on this exciting new affinity program," said Deborah Blomfield, co-chair of the organization. "It is exactly the reason we established an independent business association in Warwick to support one another in the community." The Warwick IBA is a grassroots organization of more than 50 local independent business owners and community members committed to supporting local businesses. For a list of benefits and participating Warwick IBA businesses, stop by the library or log onto www.albertwisnerlibrary.org or www.warwickiba.org. The effort with the IBA follows the library's participation in library card sign-up month during September, which is a nationwide campaign with the American Library Association to remind parents that a library card is an important school supply. "The Albert Wisner Public Library is one of Warwick's best kept secrets," said Library Director Rosemary Cooper. "Our goal is to raise awareness in the community and remind all Warwick residents about their free access to the library's many valuable resources and programming." The library has about 11,000 cardholders, almost half of the Warwick community. All Warwick Valley School District residents are eligible for an Albert Wisner Public Library card. An application must be completed for every person wishing to borrow materials. One form of photo identification is required for all adult customers (age 16 and older) before a library card can be issued. Children under 16 years of age (ninth grade) are eligible to receive a library card with the signature of a parent or guardian acknowledging responsibility for library materials checked out by the child. The library provides computer and Internet access, cultural and educational programs, popular and educational DVDs and videocassettes, music CDs, books on tapes and CDs and services for those with special needs in our community. In addition, the newly re-designed web site provides a great deal of useful information, including access to online databases and reference material, local history, a catalog of available materials, links for homework guidance and the ability to reserve and renew materials online. For more information on eligibility and how to get your free library card, visit or call the Albert Wisner Public Library at 986-1047, or log on to the library Web site for an application at www.albertwisnerlibrary.org.