| ISD709 STUDENTS CAN NOW CHECK OUT BOOKS FROM THE DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH THEIR STUDENT ID NUMBER PORT CARDS are electronic library cards that enable ISD709 students to check out books and materials from the Duluth Public Library by simply punching their student ID number into a pad a checkout. With PORT CARDS, the Duluth Public Library is removing barriers to access to make it easy for kids to borrow books and materials. "This is a program that provides every student in the classroom an equal opportunity to access Duluth Public Library's rich resources," explained librarian Sue Schumacher. "There is no physical card to lose, and, thanks to the library's 'Fresh Start' program, there are no fines or fees." PORT CARDS also enable students to access Duluth Public Library resources while at school. With PORT CARDS, students can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the public library's collection as well as access databases for research from their classrooms. Teachers can integrate Duluth Public Library resources into their teaching. The Duluth Public Library's PORT CARD program is modeled after Saint Paul Public Library's "Library Go" program. In Saint Paul, all students are automatically given an electronic library card. The Duluth Public Library's ultimate goal is for all ISD709 students to have PORT CARDS as well. | 