For Students

A library card is one of the most important tools a student can have to be successful. By signing up for a library card, they not only gain rewards for their school, they can get online homework assistance from tutors, access databases that cover a wide range of subjects, use the Web at their neighborhood library, and borrow their favorite books, magazines, music CDs, and more. All for free!

Students who show their red library card when visiting the Zoo will receive half-price admission October 1 through November 30.

For Teachers

All teachers with a total of 80% or more of their class who have library cards or return library card applications will be given 2 free Cincinnati Zoo admission tickets.

For Schools

Grand Prize

• All schools that reach the “Gold Banner” level will be entered into a drawing for a Nocturnal Adventure Sleepover for 100 children at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. During the sleepover, kids will have some up-close animal encounters, get a sneak peak behind the scenes, take a late night hike, and more!

2nd Prize

• All schools reaching the “Silver Banner” level or above will be entered into a drawing to receive a Cat Ambassador Program. The Cat Ambassador Program offers students the opportunity to see leash-trained cats up close and learn more about these magnificent animals.

3rd Prize

• All schools reaching the “Bronze Banner” level or above will be entered into a drawing to receive a Wings of Wonder Bird Program featuring 21 species of birds from around the world ranging from kookaburras to black-footed penguins.

For School & Parent Pride and Community Recognition

• Schools with 80% or more students joining the challenge and having library cards will receive a colorful 3′ × 8′ nylon banner to display outside the building! These schools will also be spotlighted on our Library Card Challenge website.
• If 80% of students in the entire school get a new card, you will be recognized as a Library Card Challenge Bronze School.
• If 85% of students in the entire school get a new card, you will be recognized as a Library Card Challenge Silver School.
• If 95% or more students in the entire school get a new card, you will be recognized as a Library Card Challenge Gold School.

Information about all Bronze, Silver, and Gold Library Card Challenge Schools will be sent to newspapers, radio, television, and other media outlets in Greater Cincinnati.