The Santa Barbara Public Library has activated more than 6,000 student success library cards for students of the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
With the activation, students now have a simple way to access library materials, both by checking out books or materials, as well as accessing the library’s extensive digital collections. Parents and guardians are able to opt-in at enrollment to have their student’s ID number function as a library card. No physical card will be issued and all a student needs is their ID to access materials, said Molly Wetta, library services manager.
The library offers digital ebooks and audiobooks through Overdrive, as well as access to ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies, TV and comics through Hoopla Digital. In addition, users can access language-learning software Mango, The New York Times, digital magazines and more.
“Santa Barbara Public Library curates resources to support education, from read-alongs for emerging readers to test prep books and study guides for high school students. The Student Success partnership allows students to access resources that would otherwise not be available, and gives teachers more tools to supplement research needs or to support independent reading projects,” said Library Director Jessica Cadiente. “With in-person classes suspended, digital resources like those Santa Barbara Public Library offers become even more critical in ensuring our student’s success.”
The library is also offering mail delivery of books and students with new cards are eligible.
Currently, the library is working with the district to allow parents or caregivers to opt-in at any time so cards can be automatically activated. The library hopes to expand the program to include other public school districts in the service area, including Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria.
“The City of Santa Barbara is committed to the success of SBUSD and all of our students. It is our hope that the Student Success Cards will provide our youth with the access to resources they need for academic achievement,” said Mayor Cathy Murillo.
For more information or details on how to use the program, visit sbplibrary.org.
email: mwhite@newspress.com
