More Than 16,000 Students Receive Library Cards

We're ecstatic for the 16,334 students in Washington County who are getting library cards this year! Plus, we renewed cards for another 46,900 students. Students should watch for cards in the mail and start using theirs immediately.

"My kindergartner got hers last week, and we made it over to the Beaverton Main library yesterday after school. My daughter had a blast picking out books and it was a great way to practice our letters and counting. It was also just a fun time to connect with my kiddos and find out what books interest her. Best part was when we came home she wasn’t begging for an iPad or a show to watch!" says patron and mom Katie G.

In addition to borrowing books, students can stream videos and get homework help online – all for free. At your local library, students can attend events in person or virtually, ask friendly staff about fun things to read, as well as get ideas for crafts, art projects or science experiments. Since the program began in 2019, 86 percent of public school students in Washington County have had the opportunity to get a library card. 

“We’re excited that so many students who didn’t already have an account now have access to the library,” says Amber Bell, Readers Services Manager at Tigard Public Library. “It’s been a joy to celebrate kids as they come in the library with their new cards and check out materials for their first time! We hope that these library accounts will support students in their educational success, and library resources will help students find delight in their learning.”

In the Tigard service area, 3,051 elementary school students received new library cards, and an additional 2,400 accounts were created for middle and high school students.

Staff picks from Tigard Public Library

Picture book: Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady

It’s career week at school. Nigel wants to be an astronaut, dancer or superhero, but he is not sure he can, because he never sees astronauts, dancers or superheroes who look like him. 

- Recommended by Holly Campbell-Polivka

Chapter book for grades 1-4: Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet by Megan Frazer Blackemore

Frankie’s class is getting a class pet! Frankie desperately wants to get a rat, but her best friend Maya doesn’t agree. Using her knack for inventing, Frankie works tirelessly to find a way to meet her teacher’s parameters by trying to negotiate with her classmates to get her way, even if it means she loses her best friend.

- Recommended by Janet Weber

Location, location, location

Other libraries that participated in this year’s student card initiative include Aloha Community Library, Beaverton City Library, Cedar Mill and Bethany Libraries, Cornelius Public Library, Garden Home Community Library, Hillsboro Public Library, North Plains Public Library, Tualatin Public Library and West Slope Community Library. Student library cards are valid at all Washington County libraries.

If you have a student in your life who doesn’t have a card, ask the staff at your local library about getting one.

Special thanks to Beaverton School District, Hillsboro School District and Tigard-Tualatin School District who partnered with us.

Lead photo courtesy of Alec Chunn, Tualatin Public Library.