September is Library Card Sign-Up Month across the country, and the Jefferson County Library District is joining the celebration in a tangible way: adding Yoto Players to its lending collection, giving local families access to a new kind of storytime tool — one designed specifically for young children who are not yet reading on their own.
Yoto Players are compact, screen-free audio devices that work with swappable cards loaded with audiobooks, music, podcasts, and educational content. They have gained traction in classrooms and library systems as a low-distraction way to make stories accessible to early learners. Unlike tablets or smartphones, the devices are built to be simple and durable enough for small hands — and screen-free enough for parents who want their kids immersed in stories without a glowing rectangle in front of them.
Library Cards: Free, and More Useful Than Most Residents Realize
Library Card Sign-Up Month has been a national tradition since 1987, timed each September to the start of the school year. The annual push is a reminder that library cards cost nothing — and unlock a surprising range of resources beyond physical books.
At the Jefferson County Library District, a free card opens access to e-books and audiobooks through Oregon's Libby platform, digital databases, career and job resources, and community programs at branch locations in Madras, Metolius, Culver, and beyond. In a county where broadband access is still uneven and educational resources can be hard to come by in more rural areas, the library's digital lending catalog carries real weight for families who might not otherwise have access to those tools.
Who the Library Serves — and Where
The Jefferson County Library District serves one of the most geographically diverse library districts in Central Oregon. Its branches reach from Madras to Metolius and Culver, and the district’s card is available to residents across the county’s wide footprint — including households in Crooked River Ranch, Ashwood, and communities on the Warm Springs Reservation.
That geographic spread is part of why the library district has leaned into digital and non-traditional lending offerings. Physical travel to a branch can be a real barrier for families living far from town. A library card that unlocks digital content from any internet connection helps close that gap.
How to Borrow a Yoto Player
Library cardholders interested in checking out a Yoto Player can inquire at the Madras branch. As with other specialty lending items, availability may be limited initially as the district builds out the collection.
Residents who do not yet have a library card can sign up for free at any Jefferson County Library District location with a valid ID and proof of county residence. Children can receive their own card, and library staff encourage families to get kids signed up this month as part of the national celebration.
For branch hours, locations, and a full list of available programs and resources, visit the Jefferson County Library District online or stop by the Madras branch on 5th Street.