moorhead public schools
Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) is partnering with Moorhead Area Public Schools in building a community of readers. This collaborative project, launching this fall, offers another layer of support and access to books and other resources for students and families.
Instead of a physical card with a barcode, the virtual LARL Library Card will use students’ MAPS ID numbers. For example, a student with a MAPS ID number of 1234 would have a LARL student library card number of MAPS1234.
With this code, students can access all Lake Agassiz Regional Library books, DVDs and magazines. At their local library, students can use their student code just as they would a physical library card. The partnership gives students and families access to a wide selection of resources including physical and digital materials, computer access and free Wi-Fi.
“Lake Agassiz Regional Library is thrilled to partner with the Moorhead Area Public Schools this fall to launch the LARL Student Card Program,” said Liz Lynch, Executive Director of Lake Agassiz Regional Libary. “Our mission is to remove barriers to obtaining a library card for students by making cards and resources for learning and enjoyment easily accessible.”
Julie VanWatermulen, Coordinator of Media Services at Moorhead Area Public Schools, said, “School and community collaboration creates a feeling of belonging and inclusivity. We want to give our students access to representative resources.” The wide range of resources allows families and students to find materials they relate to.
Families can opt-in or opt-out of the student card at the beginning of the year during PowerSchool registration. Once students opt-in, they are automatically registered in the program for that school year upon enrollment. Codes expire at the beginning of the next school year, so students can access library materials throughout the summer. Families that opt-out at the beginning of the year are able to join the program at any time. LARL materials must be returned directly to the library, and the student card follows the same guidelines as the library youth cards. There are no late fees, only replacement and damage fees.
LARL serves Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk and Wilkin counties. Lake Agassiz Regional Library hopes to expand the student card program to every school throughout the seven counties they serve. LARL is comprised of 13 branch libraries and nine LINK sites with administrative offices located in Moorhead. The mission of Lake Agassiz Regional Library is to enrich lives and strengthen communities.
