Unable to link MCPS students’ identification numbers to MCPL’s database due to MCPS privacy concerns, MCPL focused on removing barriers to student access to library services by designing special ready-to-use activated library cards. The cards provided 24/7 access to MCPL digital resources and the ability to check-out several items from the collection. The cards were distributed to the students one school at a time, significantly strengthening relations between libraries and the schools in their communities.

By visiting every school in their service area, distributing activated library cards and multilingual marketing materials, and providing presentations about library services, MCPL staff established and strengthened connections with MCPS principals, teachers and students. Furthermore, MCPS students have learned that their local library is more than a building; it is their space, where they can connect with others and have access to an abundance of resources; their library card is a gate to the world.

Library Link has prompted MCPL staff to work closely and forge meaningful relations with MCPS staff. This school year, MCPL distributed approximately 80,000 active library cards to students in 133 elementary schools. Next school year, Library Link will be implemented in 39 middle schools and 25 high schools, and more than 160,000 library cards will be distributed. MCPL will continue to ensure that every new MCPS student has the opportunity to receive a new free library card.