September 3, 2018

For more information, contact:
Jen Pace Dickenson
Phone: 828-894-8721 x284
jdickenson@polklibrary.org

StudentAccess coming to Polk County

COLUMBUS, N. C., (September 3, 2018) ­– Starting in October, students enrolled at Polk County Schools can become instant members of Polk County Public Libraries through a new program called StudentAccess. As part of a partnership between the public libraries and the school system, students will be given an electronic library account using their student ID number. This account gives students the ability to check out up to 10 items at a time with no library card to keep track of.

To participate, students simply need a signed permission form. Permission forms go home with students this week and must be returned to their school no later than September 11. For those who opt-in to this program, the benefits are endless!

Participating students will be able to use their student ID numbers to check out up to ten books and audiobooks from the Columbus and Saluda Libraries. A special perk of StudentAccess accounts is that no overdue fines will be charged; though if an item is lost or damaged, the student would be responsible for that. Students will also have access to online library resources such as eBooks through the NC Kids Digital Library, Mango Languages, and the Testing and Education Reference Center.

This partnership between the schools and the public libraries is based on the shared belief that a love of books and learning is a strong foundation for student success. The purpose of the StudentAccess program is to eliminate barriers to library access while improving literacy and student achievement. Library Director Rishara Finsel says, “We’re delighted for this opportunity to work with our schools to make library access easier for students. Students who use public libraries do better in schools and that is something we all want.”

Polk County Public Libraries has two libraries, Columbus Library and Saluda Library, as well as outreach services. PCPL offers books, movies, music, audiobooks, and downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, as well as public computers and wireless internet access. PCPL offers regularly scheduled programs for people of all ages. To learn more, visit www.polklibrary.org.

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