This program ensures that youth throughout Jacksonville have access to library services and resources. By partnering with the school district, the Jacksonville Public Library is now providing access to all library services without requiring parental assistance. Children in elementary school can use library computers for free ($2.00 per day for non-card holders); they can check out as many as three books, fine-free; and can access the library's e-materials and databases wherever they have internet access. They are not only given greater access to educational resources, but are also given a personal introduction to them through the tours and class visits.

We met the technical challenge of creating cards for 60,000 students by working with DCPS to receive weekly computer updates of student information, making each student’s school ID a library card. Another critical piece of this project was coordinating field trips to the Library for every Kindergarten-through-second-grade class (with bus transportation funded by DCPS). Additionally, each third-through-fifth grade student received a special program at their school to provide an introduction to library resources. Scheduling these programs and field trips required close logistical coordination between DCPS administration, school principals and staff, and library administration and staff.

This partnership has given approximately 60,000 children personal interaction with library resources previously unavailable to most of them. Librarians across the system have shared that they are beginning to see new faces in their library with children self-reporting that they have started visiting the library more due to this partnership. As of May 31, 32,969 books have already been checked out and 18,338 computer sessions have been held using the special student cards. This partnership has also been a great opportunity to build relationships with school staff, connecting libraries with teachers to help enhance classroom access to learning materials.