The PHS Library and the Paoli Public Library have joined together to get library cards into the hands of all Paoli High School students. This project started because the PHS Librarian, Rachel Miller, often has students request books that the school library does not have or cannot get, so she suggests they go to the public library.
“Most of the time, (students reply) that they don’t have a public library card or don’t have the means to get one, so I wanted to figure out a way to bridge that gap. If you live in Paoli Township, you can get a library card for free, but the Paoli Public Library actually offers student cards for only $1 to Paoli students who live outside of the township as well. A lot of parents and students don’t know this, so even if they don’t sign up for a library card through me, maybe they’ll go to the library themselves and sign up for a card now that they know how inexpensive it is,” said Miller.
Tammie Johnson, the director of the Paoli Public Library, and Miller want to increase students’ access to books and resources.
“Repeated studies sponsored by the American Library Association have shown that students with access to a school library and a certified school librarian have higher scores in reading, writing, and information literacy. These students also have higher graduation rates. If we can do all of that with just a school library, the sky is the limit for what we can achieve when school and public libraries work together,” said Miller.
Johnson is very excited about the collaboration.
“To get the students used to the library and all we have to offer is something that will benefit them throughout their lives. The library not only offers books, but also programs, e-books, interlibrary loan, and databases,” said Johnson.
If a student lives in Paoli, they will be able to get a green library card, which gives them the ability to check out books from the library and have access to Libby (a mobile app that connects to your public library card and allows you to check out e-books, magazines, and audiobooks for free) and Gale Courses (six-week, instructor-led online courses where students can learn about a variety of topics, including creative writing, cybersecurity, photography, and how to start a business). The green card also gives students a few extra benefits, like interlibrary loans.
If the student lives outside of Paoli, they will get a blue student card. They can still check out books, use Libby, and access Gale Courses with this card, but they can not use the interlibrary loan system. The blue student card also has to be renewed every year.
