A Government Minister and the Head Librarian have joined forces to promote library cards as ?the smartest card? in your wallet as part of a campaign by the Bermuda National Library to get more people reading.

Minister of Community Affairs and Sport Dale Butler MP and Joanne Brangman made their statement on Monday ? the same day that the library announced that it was joining the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association who promote the library card as the most valued and used card in your wallet.

?Amid all the discussion about enhancing education and increasing achievement, there is no doubt that libraries provide an opportunity for expanded learning,? Mr. Butler said. ?And the key that unlocks the door is a library card.

?I believe literacy is key to the future success of our children and grandchildren and that?s why I encourage every caregiver not only to introduce young people to the local library, but to make it a regular visit. There are no hidden fees associated with this card and it offers a very impressive rate of return in terms of increased literacy. That?s why it truly is the smartest card you can carry.?

Mrs. Brangman said: ?Your library card is your ticket to opportunity.

?No other card in your wallet gives you free access to books, CDs, magazines, movies and all sorts of other resources that can change your life? or make it just a little more fun.?

The youth library on Church Street is open six days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and Saturday but from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

The adult library on Queen Street in Hamilton is open seven days a week from 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Visit www.bermudanationallibrary.bm for more information.