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Ballard High may set library record

Posted by Geeky Swedes on December 3rd, 2008

Ballard High School is working with the Seattle Public Library to make history: sign up every student in school with a library card. “This is totally uncharted territory for them and for the Seattle Public Library,” said Lynn Miller, librarian at the Ballard Branch. For the past few days, students have been visiting library branches around town to get their cards. And on Friday, library staffers will visit Ballard High and sign up students on the spot.

“Getting these library cards and becoming patrons could help contribute to the students’ success now at school and through their entire lives,” said Miller. The project is a collaboration between Miller and the Ballard High librarian, Debbie Arthur. We’ll let you know if they reach their goal.

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  • Andy
    It's definitely a good thing this is happening, but the more students they sign up, the less proud the SPL and the Seattle Public Schools should feel of the job they're doing for these kids. That any student at the high school level can't or doesn't know how to access such a hugely important educational resource as the public library is something both government agencies should be ashamed of.

    Definitely try to get a hand on those numbers when they're done--it'll be interesting to see how many of these kids didn't have library cards before this effort took place.
  • hopefulpoet
    What is extra cool is that I hear that the library will forgive fines for the kids that already have a card - a sort of one day thing. Way to Go Ballard!
    I never really thought that either the Library or Schools though public, were government agencies.
    Should be ashamed? - I went to public school way back in the '70's. I blame the goverment for letting me think that there were differences in these public instututions from the instutution of Goverment.
  • swassociates
    Nice, make sure they have a library card but don't bother making sure they can read.
  • m
    I can tell you one thing, this is simply not going to help. The kids who don't use the library aren't going to start using the library because some lady came into their class and gave them a piece of paper to sign.
  • BlackSheep
    Well, if it won't work, let's just not try!!

    Good plan.
  • swassociates
    Symbolism over substance. A perfect fit for Seattle and it's ruling class.
  • BlackSheep
    I get that, but if it costs nothing to get these kids a library card, and even HALF of them use them, doesn't that accomplish some reading?
  • Looney
    ...Symbolism over substance

    Yes, and you're supposed to grin and bare it while they tax the sh*t out of you for it. I drive by BHS everyday....half the numbskulls I see walking out of there don't look capable of reading a manga, let alone a book.

    But let's get the numbers up and just call them educated!
  • Looney
    ..I blame the goverment for letting me think that there were differences in these public instututions from the instutution of Goverment.

    I blame your parents and your spelling.
  • Kara
    Wow...for a city that loves its libraries such negativity.

    I'll have my ten years with the Seattle Public Library coming up next year and I have to say that Lynn Miller is one of the best teen librarians in the system.

    Having put in some time at the Ballard branch the students love their library!

    The outreach to public schools takes place in every neighborhood and along with that is the Fresh Start Slip that is given out. It won't waive lost items, but will waive fines as well as offer you a library card replacement without the fee.

    Seattle is the most literate city in the country and its the amazing steps from our branch librarians that make the difference to each child, teen, and adult.

    Please incourage them and be proud of them because we all work for you.
  • lavidjio

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