View Press Release
www.duluthmn.gov
218-730-4236
SUBJECT: ISD709 STUDENTS CAN NOW CHECK OUT BOOKS FROM THE DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH THEIR STUDENT ID NUMBER
BY: Amy Broadmoore
ISD709 STUDENTS CAN NOW CHECK OUT BOOKS
FROM THE DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH THEIR STUDENT ID NUMBER
Introducing the Duluth Public Library’s PORT CARD Program
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library and Duluth Public Schools are collaborating to expand access to public library resources to Duluth’s kids with their new PORT CARD program.
PORT CARDS are electronic library cards that enable ISD709 students to check out books and materials from the Duluth Public Library by simply punching their student ID number into a pad at checkout.
With this PORT CARD program, the public library is removing barriers to access to make it easy for all Duluth kids to borrow books and materials.
“This is a program that provides every student in the classroom an equal opportunity to access Duluth Public Library’s rich resources,” explained Sue Schumacher of Duluth Public Library. “There is no physical card to lose, and, thanks to the library’s ‘Fresh Start’ program, there are no fines or fees.”
PORT CARDS also enable students to access Duluth Public Library resources while at school. With PORT CARDS, students can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the public library’s collection as well as access databases for research from their classrooms. Teachers can integrate Duluth Public Library resources into their teaching.
The school district is encouraging all ISD709 students to sign up for PORT CARDS. To sign up, ISD709 students need to sign the district’s PORT CARD Opt-In Form available on ISD709’s website and included in back-to-school materials.
Superintendent John Magas lauded the PORT CARD program and encouraged families to sign up.
“PORT CARDS are a great resource for students, making it easier than ever to access reading and research materials with no financial risk,” noted Superintendent Magas. “We encourage families to take advantage of this educational tool. Community partnerships like this one, with the Duluth Public Library, are crucial to ensuring the success of all of Duluth's children.”
Mayor Emily Larson expressed her support for the PORT CARD program and highlighted the program’s role in expanding access to the Duluth Public Library to more Duluth families.
"The PORT CARD program continues to lead on our values of eliminating barriers and financial burdens that we know can limit how families access services,” noted Mayor Larson. “I am grateful that the Duluth Public Library continues to create brighter futures for all children within our community.”
The Duluth Public Library’s PORT CARD program is modelled after Saint Paul Public Library’s “Library Go” program. In Saint Paul, all students are automatically given an electronic library card. The Duluth Public Library’s ultimate goal is for all ISD709 students to have PORT CARDS as well.
About PORT CARDS:
duluthlibrary.org/library-cards/port-cards
About the Duluth Public Library:
Founded in 1902, the Duluth Public Library serves Duluth and the greater Arrowhead region. The Duluth Public Library provides free access to reading materials, early literacy instruction, information, technology, and creative and cultural materials and services.
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PORT CARD EVENTS for TV
The school district and public library are encouraging families to sign up for PORT CARDS at back-to-school open houses on Wednesday and Thursday. In particular, Congdon, Myers-Wilkins and Laura Macarthur will have public library staff present explaining PORT CARDS to families and encouraging them to sign the PORT CARD Opt-In Form.
Duluth Public Library
anytime
Congdon Elementary School OPEN HOUSE
Sept 1. 4-6pm
Myers-Wilkins Elementary School OPEN HOUSE
Sept 1. 3:30-5:30pm
Laura Macarther Elementary School OPEN HOUSE
Sept 2. 4-5:20pm
CONTACT INFORMATION
Amy Broadmoore - public relations & marketing
218-730-4236
Sue Schumacher - youth services & branch library supervisor
(218) 730-4219
Heidi Harrison – senior library technician
(218) 730-4217
Kristy Nerhaugen – youth services librarian
(218) 730-4217
ISD709 3rd grade student Eddie tried typing his student ID number into a pad at the Duluth Public Library.
Iris Granger and her sister try out one of the new PORT CARD pads.
ISD709 3rd grade student Eddie tried typing his student ID number into a pad at the Duluth Public Library.
Iris Granger and her sister try out one of the new PORT CARD pads.