The Montgomery County Memorial Library System (MCMLS) is bringing pop-up registration tables to three Woodlands-area stores Saturday, Sept. 19. Residents can sign up for a free library card and enter a gift card drawing at each location.

The George & Cynthia Mitchell Library team will set up at the Woodlands Lowe's, and the MCMLS public relations team will be at H-E-B Spring Creek on Rayford Road from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at H-E-B Harper's Trace on Highway 242 from 2 to 4 p.m., according to Woodlands Online.

To enter the gift card drawing, residents can sign up for a new card, renew an existing one or check out materials at any of the three stops.

The pop-ups are part of Library Card Sign-Up Month, a national campaign the library system has observed every September since 1987. Throughout the month, every MCMLS branch is hosting free programs including storytimes, book clubs, writers' groups and technology workshops.

In its September announcement, MCMLS called a free library card "one of the most powerful tools you can own." A card unlocks the system's digital collection, which had grown to more than 41,500 titles and 75,000 copies as of May 1, according to MCMLS. Cardholders can also borrow puzzles and games through the Library of Things and use Innovate@MCMLS makerspaces equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters.

"Libraries are always growing as our community grows to meet the needs of the people we serve …" MCMLS Executive Library Director Dr. Janna Hoglund said in April, during the county's Library Week proclamation.

The Woodlands is home to two MCMLS branches: the George & Cynthia Mitchell Library at 8125 Ashlane Way and the Kevin Brady Library at 2250 Buckthorne Place. Both are open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents who cannot make the Sept. 19 events can register online for a digital access card at countylibrary.org.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Saturday, Sept. 19 — Library pop-ups at Woodlands Lowe's, H-E-B Spring Creek (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) and H-E-B Harper's Trace (2–4 p.m.)
  • Through Sept. 30 — Free Library Card Sign-Up Month programs at all MCMLS branches