Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Library card campaign on target for success
A partnership between Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to put the power of a public library card in the hands of Pre-K to 3rd grade students this fall is off to a great start. So far, 14,116 students have signed up for a new library card and more than 10,000 students with existing cards now have a better sense of how to use them to support their education.
David Singleton, Director of Libraries for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, notes, “We know that early learning is key to educational success, and this partnership means that all participating students and their parents will now have access to thousands of books, magazines, online learning, and other resources that support success in the classroom. We are grateful for the tremendous coordination in every classroom and all local public libraries that has made this project possible.”
“Our partnership with CMS to increase library card ownership among students from pre-kindergarten through third grade in Mecklenburg County reflects the latest research and the community’s wishes for libraries and schools to work together,” said Library CEO Lee Keesler. “Recent findings from the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life survey found that 85 percent of Americans 16 and older believe that libraries should definitely coordinate more closely with local schools.”
CMS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Clark agrees, “Our teachers help instill the spark and the desire for learning, while libraries provide the opportunity for students to continue to practice those skills and obtain additional books and materials. When schools and libraries work together, the community wins.”
One success story involves young Alvaro, a student at Collinswood elementary. He was excited to put his brand new library card to use at Morrison Regional Library. His mother, Sandra, normally picks out his books. She hopes to see both his English skills and Spanish skills improve. His first two personally-chosen books included titles in both English and Spanish.
Alvaro is just one example of how the Library-CMS partnership can impact the lives of thousands of students and more, all throughout Mecklenburg County.
Studies show that third grade reading proficiency is one of the most reliable predictors of future academic and career success. By giving library cards to students in pre-K through third grade, the partners aim to positively impact early literacy and ensure students have full access to public library resources that can be used to help them achieve grade-level reading competency.
Later in the school year, the partners will be piloting a Library “eCard” program for students in grades 6-12 in the Project L.I.F.T community.
For more information visit http://www.cmlibrary.org/studentsuccess or http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/Acardoftheirown.aspx
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