Los Angeles County Library is rolling out a new student card as part of the Library Card Challenge, a national effort to ensure that every child enrolled in school has access to the books and valuable learning resources of America’s public libraries.

The Challenge was launched in 2015 by President Obama and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, with support from the Urban Libraries Council and American Library Association, and encourages libraries nationwide to get library cards into the hands of local students. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors accepted this Challenge in November 2016.

The new LA County Library student card is for students 17 years old and under. It allows students to check out a maximum of three print items at a time, fine-free, and offers full access to online resources, like free online tutoring, language classes, and various databases. The card expires after three years.

For the initial phase of the Challenge, LA County Library will be issuing cards to third grade students attending schools within the LA County service area. This was selected as a key age for reading development, as only 41 percent of third graders in LA County are currently reading at grade level. (Source: Children Now, 2016-17 California County Scorecard.)

“In a continued effort to remove barriers by providing greater access to services and resources in underserved communities, staff at all of our libraries will soon be reaching out to local schools to arrange classroom visits, and speak briefly about the student card, and what the LA County Library provides,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick.

“Our librarians will answer questions and distribute library cards with a free book cover and book mark to each student.”

For more information on the student cards, please visit http://www.colapublib.org/.

About LA County Library
Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It offers free public resources including books, music, multimedia materials, computer and internet access, as well as educational and recreational programs to 3.4 million residents through its 87 community libraries. LA County Library is dedicated to providing exceptional services to its customers by reducing any potential barriers and increasing access and equality of public services for the diverse communities it serves. For more information, visit http://www.colapublib.org/