Our school - public library project is expanding!

Last school year, our district in cooperation with our county public library systems gave all our 9-12 students fine-free public library cards. (See The student public library card - a win-win, May 22, 2017)

But look what is happening THIS year! We're getting cards for our middle schoolers.

Partnership provides students with access to county library systems

Secondary students now have instant access to the vast resources of two county library systems — without having to worry about overdue fines — through a collaboration that began last spring and expanded this fall.

Both Dakota County and Scott County public library systems are working with Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 to benefit students at Eagle Ridge Middle School, Nicollet Middle School, Metcalf Middle School, Burnsville Alternative High School and Burnsville High School.

“Students can benefit from access to incredible resources including online one-on-one homework help, research tools, eBooks, audiobooks, movies/TV DVDs, music CDs, electronic magazines and print books,” said Doug Johnson, director of technology for District 191. “Student cards can make public library resources a part of every student’s learning experience and leverage existing public resources to support student learning.”

The card can be used online and also in library buildings. The no-fine cards will expire when students graduate.

“Through this partnership, our students will learn about and have access to all the wonderful resources our public libraries offer for both academic and personal use,” said Johnson. “In return, the public libraries will be cultivating a new generation of library users and supporters, as well as encouraging a more informed citizenry.”

District 191 students in grades 6-12 now have Chromebooks as personal learning devices, which gives them the ability to maximize use of the public library’s resources.

For more information, email askalibrarian@co.dakota.mn.us.

The opportunity is voluntary and students/families can opt out either by not activating their accounts or by contacting Johnson at djohnson@_____.org.

I am guessing we may get better use of these cards by our middle school students than high school students since they tend to be more voracious readers. I am also happy we are providing this access to our families who may be new to our area and to the fine resources the public libraries offer.

Hey, doesn't every student in this country deserve a public library card?