SALISBURY – Think about how much you spend on movie rentals and book purchases over the course of a year. Now, add to that the cost of movie tickets and educational and/or inspirational programs. If you’re in regular need of a copier or fax machine or internet usage, total that up, too.

If you’re alarmed by those calculations, consider that with a public library card, you can use all of those services for free or, in the case of copies and faxes, for a nominal charge.

Free (or nearly so) sounds pretty good, right?

The Rowan Public Library, with branches in Salisbury, China Grove, and Rockwell, offers all of these services and more. And, throughout September, the RPL system is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up month, which means that patrons have even more chances to benefit from their membership.

Library card holders under the age of 18 can pick up a Gold Ticket at any RPL service desk. This Gold Ticket can be redeemed for one free sweet at The Candy Shoppe on Main or Firehouse Sweets. There is a limit of one ticket per patron, and tickets expire Sept. 30.

If you enjoy a good discount, then your RPL library card offers additional ways to save this month, and all while promoting Salisbury businesses. Present your Rowan Public Library card to receive the following: Mean Mug Coffee Company offers $1 off drinks; The Lettered Lily Design Studio offers 20 percent off purchases; and get 10 percent off purchases at South Main Book Co., Better Loafing Artisan Bread Co., and Critters Cards & Gifts. Exclusions may apply.

All active patrons with accounts in good standing are eligible to win raffles that will be held throughout the month. Patrons can be entered into these raffles in two ways: automatically, simply by keeping their account in good standing (which means overdue fines under $2 and no other outstanding charges or issues) and by completing and submitting a punch card (which can be picked up at any service desk).

There will be a total of six raffles: two adult and two juvenile new patron contests (any who sign up for an RPL card during September and keep that account in good standing); two adult and two juvenile existing patron contests; and one adult and one juvenile completed punch card contest.

Winners will be announced by Oct. 4 and will be notified via their borrower information (so update your info if it’s out of date). Prizes provided by the Friends of Rowan Public Library, the Local Government and Federal Credit Union, Planet Fitness and RPL Adult Programs.

Community members are also invited to enjoy a free movie series at headquarters (Salisbury) and East Branch (Rockwell). The chosen films are all classic literary adaptations: “James and the Giant Peach,” “The Neverending Story,” “The Secret of NIMH” and “The Indian in the Cupboard.”

Headquarters kicked off its series with “James and the Giant Peach.”  The East Branch opens its series with “The Neverending Story” on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 3 p.m. Free popcorn and lemonade will be served at all showings, and all ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

So, if you don’t yet have a library card, September is the month to get one and start enjoying all the services and resources that Rowan Public Library has to offer. For more details about the Library Card Sign-Up Month celebration, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. Brochures and other materials are also available at each branch’s service desk.