FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020
THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTNER TO EXPAND ACCESS TO DIGITAL RESOURCES AND LEARNING TOOLS
Starting on Tuesday, May 19, students, teachers and select staff for grades K-12 at Seattle Public Schools will have immediate access to The Seattle Public Library’s collection of digital books and online resources through the Library Link program. They do not need a Library card; instead, they use their student or staff ID number to get access. Students, staff and families can learn more at spl.org/librarylink.
Previously, Library Link, a partnership between the Library and Seattle Public Schools, was available for students in grades 6-12 and teachers for grades 6-12 (and for K-8 schools). The Library and Seattle Public Schools worked together to expedite expansion of the program in response to the need for remote-learning resources during the time of COVID-19.
“We are grateful that we can now offer all of Seattle’s public schoolchildren and teachers a seamless way to connect to the Library’s digital resources and collections,” said Josie Watanabe, managing librarian for the Library’s Youth and Family Services. “For children who are learning from home during the COVID-19 crisis, being able to connect to books, games, entertainment and learning resources can make a huge difference. This will also help elementary schoolchildren learn to use Library resources at a critical point in their education.”
“Seattle Public Schools’ five-year strategic plan, Seattle Excellence, prioritizes early literacy for our students, with an intentional focus on students furthest from educational justice,” said Denise Juneau, superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. “We are thrilled that the Library Link expansion will support our Seattle Super Readers' early literacy campaign by giving our youngest scholars access to Seattle Public Library’s wealth of educational resources. Reaching our goal of 100% of students becoming strong readers by third grade will take all of us, and we are grateful for this partnership that ensures all of our students will continue to read and learn as we navigate this difficult time together.”
Through Library Link, students can access digital resources such as curated e-book collections for children and teens; graphic novels and comics at Hoopla; research databases and online encyclopedias; and learning resources such as Mango Languages. Library Link also provides teachers and school staff with additional tools they can use for virtual education, as well as when they get back to their classrooms. These include educational videos through Access Video, lesson plans in BookFlix and the ability to host online book discussion groups using “Always Available” titles through Libby and Hoopla.
The Library has launched or enhanced other digital services that benefit families since its physical locations closed in mid March, including an instant digital Library card; virtual events such as story times; and Your Next Five personalized book recommendations for children and teens. Library and school district staff are also working in partnership to provide additional support to children.
Find out more about the Library’s digital collections and resources at spl.org/stayinghome. For help connecting to a Library Link account, parents and teachers can contact Ask Us. For general tips on digital resources, visit the Library’s Books on your device page.
All physical locations of The Seattle Public Library are closed in accordance with public health guidelines through at least May 31, 2020. Find out more at spl.org/ChiefLibrarian.