16,000 Saint Paul Public Schools
students get virtual access to the Saint Paul Public Library today
Library Go, a partnership between the schools and library launches for all
secondary students today, followed by primary school students early next year
SAINT PAUL - The Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) and Saint
Paul Public Schools (SPPS) launched Library Go today, providing instant access
to the library's resources for more than 16,000 SPPS secondary school students.
Library Go expands to all 38,000 SPPS students in early 2017 and will be the
largest virtual library access program of its kind in the state.
"This joint venture between Saint Paul Public Schools
and the City of St. Paul will allow learners of all ages to use a virtual
internet superhighway and experience the wonders of the world without leaving
St. Paul," said SPPS Superintendent John Thein.
With Library Go, SPPS students will have seamless access to
the library’s digital resources, including online homework help, dozens of
databases, free music downloads, e-books, and countless other resources. The
library is also pleased to offer students the ability to check out up to five
physical items using their virtual card. These resources will help support
students’ success both in the classroom and beyond.
Today’s event at Johnson High School, attended by Mayor
Chris Coleman, SPPS Superintendent John Thein along with other school and
library officials is the culmination of the City of Saint Paul's and SPPS'
commitment to President Obama's ConnectED Library Challenge. The President’s
call was for city officials, library directors, and schools to collaborate more
closely to expand access to the nation's public libraries.
“This partnership between our libraries and public schools
is an important step toward addressing the achievement
gap through greater access to and expanded use of library resources,” said
Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “Library Go is a powerful example of what can
be accomplished when two vital public institutions work together with the
success of our students firmly in mind.”
SPPL and SPPS have been collaborating on this initiative
since September 2015.
Find more information about Library Go at StPaul.gov and at LibraryGo.org, and watch the video that premiered at the launch.
Media Contacts:
Chase Maxwell, Saint Paul Public Library
Chase.Maxwell@ci.stpaul.mn.us, 651-266-7022
Toya
Stewart Downey, Saint Paul Public Schools
ToyaStewart.Downey@spps.org, 651-767-8104
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