Parents and caregivers of USD 259 middle and high school students will be able to “opt-in” for a Wichita Public Library eCard at enrollment this July. Through this new partnership, students will be able to get a card and access the Library’s collection of eBooks, audiobooks and research databases.

When a student opts-in for an eCard, they will be able to use their student ID as their library card. Their account will be active until they graduate high school, at which time they will need to transition from a student eCard to a library card of their choice.

“This partnership has been a long-time coming, and we’re really excited to provide a wealth of information and knowledge to middle and high school students in Wichita schools,” said Jaime Prothro, Director of Libraries for Wichita Public Library.

With an eCard, students will be able to access the following services:

-Book-A-Librarian

-Borrow eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines

-Computers, printing and Wi-Fi at all Wichita Public Library locations

-Online databases

-Test proctoring

Students with an eCard will not be able to borrow physical materials from the library. If students want to expand their card to borrow more materials, they will need to come into a library location with an adult age 18+ to register for a borrower’s card.

“The positive impact of this collaboration for our students will be nothing short of amazing,” said Dr. Alicia Thompson, Superintendent for Wichita Public Schools. “Well-educated, well-read young people turn into successful, engaged, curious adults. Overcoming barriers of transportation that some of our students have had in order to get to a public library branch, combined with fingertip access to quality reading and research material, will be a game changer for Wichita students.”

At the time of enrollment, parents or caregivers will be able to opt-in to have their student’s school ID serve as a public library eCard. Basic student information will be used at the library to complete the registration process, like name, date of birth and email address.

More information about library cards can be found online.