(Dated April 30)

ALA President Commends ConnectED: Library Challenge to Expand Student Access to Public Library Cards

Today, American Library Association (ALA) President Courtney Young issued a statement in response to President Obama’s announcement of the ConnectED: Library Challenge, an initiative designed to ensure that every student receives a public library card through their school. The ALA welcomes this effort to strengthen the connection between schools and public libraries and to broaden student access to reading materials, educational tools, and digital resources.

Libraries Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom

“Learning does not end in the classroom,” President Young said. “Public libraries create dynamic learning environments by bringing together trained information professionals, collections of print and digital resources, and free access to high-speed Internet. These resources support student achievement and foster habits of lifelong learning.”

Research consistently shows that children who use libraries tend to perform better academically and continue to rely on libraries throughout life. Yet access remains uneven: one study found that poverty is the strongest predictor of whether a child has a library card, with more than 60 percent of children living below the poverty line lacking one. The ALA views the ConnectED: Library Challenge as an important step toward closing this gap.

Addressing the Digital Divide

Public libraries also play a vital role in closing the digital divide. More than 75 percent of K–12 teachers assign homework that requires Internet access, but only 54 percent report that all of their students have reliable digital access at school. At the same time, nearly 40 percent of Americans lack access to high-speed broadband at home, making libraries an essential point of access for students who need online resources for schoolwork.

President Young emphasized that the ALA supports collaboration among libraries, school administrators, and civic leaders to create seamless learning opportunities. “We call on public and school library leaders to coordinate with school administrators and community officials to make sure every student has a public library card,” she said. This simple step helps connect students to books, homework help, research databases, and technology training.

IMLS to Convene National Leaders

To support local implementation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will convene a meeting of national library, government, and school leaders to share best practices and develop models for school-public library card programs. These conversations will help educators and library professionals design practical, effective systems that ensure students can easily access library services through their schools.

Learn more about IMLS efforts to implement the ConnectED: Library Challenge at the IMLS announcement page.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, representing approximately 55,000 members across academic, public, school, government, and special libraries. The ALA’s mission is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

The ALA continues to advocate for policies and partnerships that increase access to books, digital content, and technology for students and communities. By supporting initiatives like the ConnectED: Library Challenge, the ALA aims to help remove barriers to learning and to strengthen the role of public libraries as essential community resources.