GET A LIBRARY CARD. GET A SUNSET CRUISE. YES, REALLY.

There is a pretty good chance you have never been offered a sunset cruise in exchange for getting a library card.

That's changing in Charlotte County this September.

During Library Card Sign-Up Month, people who sign up for a new Charlotte County library card can receive a certificate for a free sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet, while supplies last.

Yes — a library card could potentially get you out on the water.

This Is Not Your Typical Library Promotion

September is nationally recognized as Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when libraries encourage people to discover everything a library card can provide.

Charlotte County is adding a distinctly local twist.

According to Charlotte County Government's announcement, new cardholders can receive a certificate for a free sunset cruise from King Fisher Fleet during September, while supplies last.

The county has also confirmed the promotion through its public information materials and directs residents to its library information and card resources.

So Where Do You Sign Up?

Charlotte County residents can visit participating library locations to get a new card and take advantage of the promotion.

That includes the Mid-County Regional Library in Port Charlotte, the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, and the Englewood Charlotte Public Library.

The county's library and facility directory is another good place to check locations and current information before heading out.

And Then Comes the Fun Part

The cruise is provided by King Fisher Fleet, a longtime Punta Gorda sightseeing-cruise operator based at Fishermen's Village.

Its Sunset Cruise normally lasts about 90 minutes and takes passengers onto Charlotte Harbor around sunset.

King Fisher Fleet says the cruise offers views of the waterfront and opportunities to watch for dolphins while enjoying the sunset.

The company's full cruise schedule also includes other sightseeing options around Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River.

What Does a Regular Sunset Cruise Cost?

That is part of what makes the library promotion interesting.

King Fisher Fleet currently lists its regular sunset cruise starting at $42 for adults, with children ages 3–11 listed at $32. Infants age 2 and under are free.

The regular cruise departs from Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda.

It Is About More Than the Boat Ride. Obviously, the sunset cruise is the attention-grabber. But the bigger point of Library Card Sign-Up Month is getting people through the library doors in the first place.

Charlotte County Libraries & History provides access to books, digital materials, technology, public programs, meeting spaces and local-history resources.

The county's Community Services department oversees the library system along with other public services throughout the county.

And the Charlotte County Libraries & History events calendar shows just how much happens at the libraries beyond simply checking out a book.

And Yes, There Is a Catch.

The important words are "while supplies last."

This is not an unlimited offer that residents can assume will remain available throughout the month. If you're interested, it makes sense to get your new card sooner rather than later and ask the library about the current availability of the cruise certificate.

You should also check the Charlotte County events calendar and the library's current information before making a trip, particularly around holiday schedules or special closures.

One More Reason to Actually Use That Library Card

There is something wonderfully Florida about this promotion.

You walk into a library expecting books and walk out with the possibility of watching dolphins and the sun disappear over Charlotte Harbor.

It is unusual. It is local. And it is exactly the kind of community perk that can easily get overlooked unless somebody tells you about it.

So if you've been meaning to get a library card, September might be a pretty good time to finally do it.

The offer gives residents a reason to check out the library system — and potentially a reason to head out onto Charlotte Harbor afterward.

Not a bad trade for filling out a library card application.