A new record for the number of library cards issued in a single day was set Thursday at the Main Library Downtown.
Jacksonville Public Library, in partnership with Duval County Public Schools, activated “virtual library cards” for 60,000 students in grades K-5, who now have access to library materials and services at the Main Library and all neighborhood branch libraries.
“Reading is critical for everyone. Instilling a love of reading in children is particularly critical,” said Barbara Gubbin, library director.
The program debuted in the Children’s Department while second-grade students from Garden City Elementary School participated in story time and then perused the books on the shelves.
“For many, it’s the first time they’ve come to a library and the first time they’ve checked out a book,” Gubbin said.
Using their school identification card, students may check out three print or audio materials. Access to all library digital and electronic collections and databases and use of computers also is included.
Another element of the program is allowing teachers to borrow up to 100 books for as long as six weeks to supplement the resources available at school media centers. Gubbin said 130 teachers already have registered for the program.
“You can’t compete economically or function in society if you’re not literate,” said Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti. “This equalizes opportunities for all children.”
He said the school system is scheduling field trips to libraries for 30,000 K-2 students.
Vitti credited attorney W.C. Gentry for his work to establish the “Read it Forward Jax Coalition.” It’s a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy among elementary school students and where Vitti met Gubbin and started the process that led to the student card program.
“It put all the stakeholders linked to literacy in the same room,” he said.
According to the organization’s website, rifjc.org, nearly half of Duval County students read below grade level and 80 percent of juveniles in detention are illiterate.
Mayor Lenny Curry praised the student card program as a complement to his “One City, One Jacksonville” initiative.
“Let’s make sure every child in every neighborhood has access to education and literacy,” he said.
Gubbin recognized several City Council members who were at the library on the first day of the new program. She said through their efforts to preserve additional funds in the city budget that was approved Monday, extended library hours will begin Nov. 14 and more staff is being hired and trained.
“The library is a wonderful asset for folks who may not have access to books,” said council member Jim Love. “When you’re at the library, the world is at your fingertips.”
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