LAWRENCE — The Indianapolis Public Library and Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township have completed a first-ever initiative to provide all district public school students with Indy Library cards. It represents the first step toward the Library’s goal to provide a Library card to every public school student in Marion County.
During a celebratory launch event on September 22, MSD Lawrence Township Superintendent Dr. Shawn A. Smith and IndyPL CEO Jackie Nytes congratulated students at Brook Park Elementary School in joining the approximately 15,000 other district students in grades 1 – 12 who are receiving their new cards.
The special new Library card, called the e-resource card, will allow students to access the Library’s growing collection of digital materials, such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, streaming music and magazines, as well an array of online databases to help in their academic research. The card allows for limited borrowing of books and physical materials, but young people can visit any IndyPL location with a parent or guardian to upgrade to a full Library card.
Research provided by the Illinois School Library Media Association demonstrates a strong link between access to high quality library services and academic achievement. By providing access to IndyPL’s online offerings beyond what’s available in a school’s library, students will be inspired not only to become better readers and learners but to develop the digital research skills necessary for later academic success. Additionally, such access will enable MSD Lawrence Township students to complete school work as the district moves to provide them with tablet computers for classwork.
