Today, President Obama called on library directors to work with their mayors, school leaders, and school librarians, to create or strengthen partnerships so that every child enrolled in school can receive a library card. Over 30 major cities and counties have announced they are taking the challenge and will work to provide cards to all students.
To support the implementation of the ConnectED Library Challenge, the government announced new commitments to action:
- The Institute of Museum and Library Services: Host a national convening this summer to identify and share best practices in reaching universal library card use among public school students.
- Urban Libraries Council: Lead an initiative that provides a forum for community, library and school leaders to work together to meet city and county education goals by leveraging resources and measuring outcomes.
- American Library Association: Drive adoption of the ConnectED Library Challenge through their 55,000 members and align the challenge with existing support and technical assistance provided through their Every Child Ready to Read initiative.
“ALA calls on school and public library leaders to work collaboratively with school administrators and civic leaders to ensure that each and every student has a public library card,” said American Library Association President Courtney Young.