CELEBRATING THE LIBRARY — Angela Lombardo, owner of Fresh Twist in Steubenville, displayed the business’s Bookworm smoothie, which patrons can purchase for $1 off the original cost when they show their Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County library card. The library is promoting its One Card, Endless Possibilities campaign, where having a library card does more than simply checking out books. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and officials from the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County have announced that although the cards are small, they certainly “pack a mighty punch.”

Cardholders, along with those taking advantage of the sign-up month by registering for a card, can utilize everything the library has to offer through its One Card, Endless Possibilities campaign.

Jefferson County cardholders will have the opportunity to not only borrow books, but borrow a variety of museum passes, use musical instruments or check out a ghost-hunting kit, from among its many offerings.

Patrons can participate in engaging programs offered by the library, such as book club, movie night, crafting classes and lectures. Cardholders have access to technology, Wi-Fi and career resources that support one’s goals, including students, job seekers, entrepreneurs or lifelong learners.

It is one card with endless possibilities.

Interested residents can attend a new activity known as Books and Bites, scheduled to take place once a week throughout September. Participants will travel outside the library to an area restaurant or business where they will discuss a book and dine on food pertaining to the business’s title.

Guests will be responsible for buying their own meal, officials said. The books can be downloaded free of charge or a copy can be picked up at the Main Library. To register for one or all of the discussions, call (740) 282-9782.

The first stop on the Books and Bites schedule is Tri B’s Coffee Shop in Toronto. Patrons will meet at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 4 to discuss the book “At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities,” by Heather Webber. By possessing a library card, a 10 percent discount will be given, with the featured coffee to be announced.

The Laurels of Steubenville will host the second Books and Bites event. Guests will meet at 3 p.m. on Sept. 7 to discuss “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife,” by Anna Johnston. A feast of food, including roast beef, chicken, mini meat pies, pumpkin, potatoes and peas will be served for $19. Additional foods mentioned in the book will be tasted, officials said.

At 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, participants will gather at Harp and Habit in Franciscan Square, where “An Irish Country Doctor,” by Patrick Taylor will be discussed. Attendees can order off the menu but are responsible for their own bill. Those wanting to try a bowl of Irish potato soup will get 25 percent off the dish by showing your library card.

Those who have a sweet tooth may enjoy taking part in the fourth visit, as attendees will visit A Touch of Elegance at the Fort Steuben Mall. The group will meet at 11 a.m. Sept. 24 to discuss “Death by Chocolate Chip Cupcake,” by Sarah Graves. Chocolate chip cupcakes will be available for purchase.

The final gathering will take place at 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern. Participants will discuss “Mobsters, Madams and Murder in Steubenville, Ohio,” by Susan Guy. Guy will be in attendance for the discussion. The meal will feature a family-style dinner of spaghetti, meatballs, salad and dessert for $17.

For those who are unable to attend one of the book discussions, the library will offer another bonus — just for being a cardholder. Visit one of the following food establishments in September and show your library card to receive a discount for an item that has been specifically named in honor of the library.

• Fresh Twist in Steubenville will offer $1 off its Bookworm smoothie, a drink “full of brain-boosting nutrients and mood-boosting flavors,” one can enjoy with a book, officials commented.

• Gem City Pizza in Toronto will have its Dewey Decimal stacked tray, which consists of pizza stuffed with ham, salami, pepperoni, onions, banana peppers and cheese. Present your library card to receive $1 off a full tray or 50 cents off a mini tray.

• Dairy Queen in Rayland will offer its Page Turner, consisting of any flavored Blizzard for a $1 discount with a library card.

• The Librarian at Valley Wine Cellar in Wintersville will combine a glass of wine with a mini cannoli. The mini cannoli will be free by showing your card.

“There are so many reasons to have a library card,” officials stated. For a list of upcoming events and activities, check out the library’s website at steubenvillelibrary.org.