School-library partnership encourages reading skills

Thanks to a recent campaign encouraging the use of the local public library and its resources, 439 Williamsport Area School District elementary students are now James V. Brown Library card holders. The campaign, conducted by the district’s elementary school libraries in partnership with the James V. Brown Library earlier this fall, allowed parents to apply for and receive a free library card for their children in grades K-6.

“During these challenging times, a book is a wonderful place to escape to and allow your imagination to travel without limits,” said elementary librarian Sarah Bohnert. “The JVB library card will allow students to have access to electronic books — and more — that they can read or listen to on their school Chromebooks.”

Now equipped with a library card, these students can access the public library’s resources right from home through their student dashboard.

“We are so thankful for the partnership with (the school district) and the exceptional school libraries that helped us to get library cards in the hands of kids,” said Barbara McGary, executive director of the James V. Brown Library. “We have so many resources here at the library that are free for families to use.” There are no fines or fees for book checked out on children’s cards, McGary said. “The library is here for you,” she added. “All you need is a library card.”

“Our greatest natural resource is our children,” Bohnert said. “They deserve the very best to aid them in becoming the very best, which is why (we) joined forces to provide more opportunities for our students.”