Library Go: Partnership History

During the 2016–2017 school year, the Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) and Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) launched Library Go, a program to provide free, virtual public library cards for all students.

Scope and Impact

As of January 2017, all Saint Paul Public School students (38,000+) and their families have seamless, virtual access to the Saint Paul Public Library’s digital resources and are be able to check out up to five physical materials. The creation of virtual cards is automated, greatly reducing staff time and ultimately making this project more sustainable. The virtual cards are in effect as long as the student is registered in school. It works through summer breaks and across grades.

Timeline

• Spring 2013: SPPL and SPPS begin collaborating to make large groups of students library cards.
• September 2015: Mayor Chris Coleman, former Superintendent Valeria Silva, and former Library Director Kit Hadley sign on to the ConnectED Library Challenge.
• January 2016: ConnectED Library Challenge convening held at White House with more than 100 city and local officials, including Mayor Coleman and Library Director Jane Eastwood.
• Summer 2016: Data sharing agreement and technical details finalized; Saint Paul’s initiative named Library Go; branding finalized and communications plan developed.
• October 2016: Successful Library Go pilot.
• November 15, 2016: Library Go launched for high school and middle school students at media event with Mayor Coleman, Superintendent Thein, Library Director Eastwood, and other stakeholders.
• January 2017: Library Go launched for all SPPS students.

Key Outcomes