VALLEY — The Bradshaw-Chambers County Library always has programs that promote reading and education, and the month of September for them is no different.

Those who sign up for a free library card always have the privilege of being able to borrow a wide selection of books, but throughout this month they will have the added benefit of discounts at local businesses and restaurants.

As part of “Show Your Library Card,” local merchants have agreed to take percentages off of bills or provide free goodies to those who prove they have opened an account at the library.

“Something that we think is unique is the ‘Show us your library card’ campaign,” Library Director Mary Hamilton said. “We have been doing this for over 10 years now and we have more than 65 local businesses and restaurants during the month of September. If you show your library card you will get a discount or a free item.”

Some of the businesses participating in the campaign include Chuck’s BBQ, Milano’s, KFC and Valley Bowl in Valley, Coach’s, West Point Tire and Johnny’s Pizza in West Point and Merl’s Diner and El Rio Grande in Lanett. Hamilton believes that the businesses in the area provide discounts as much to promote reading as they do it for personal gain.

“I think it is a way to support the library by helping us while at the same time getting the businesses new patrons as well,” she said.

Now is as good a time as any to sign up for a card, too, as September looks to be full of events going on at Bradshaw Library. Food for fines, which allows people to pay for their library fines with non-perishable food items to be donated, will be going on throughout the month.

September will also see Senior day on the 13th, several Lunch and Learn events and a full course meal served for “Night Out at the Library” on the 28th, to name a few.

Besides those, card holders have the everyday access to the libraries’ vast collection and will soon be able to take online courses thanks to a partnership between the Library and the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.

“There’s a lot that the library has to offer,” Hamilton said. “With a card… it’s not just the books and DVD’s that we check out, people can gain access to a lot of electronic resources from home.”