All 127,000 students were issued a library card this year, but how many even know they have one, much less realize its benefits? Do they really know about our databases or how to find a book? The library field trips provide the opportunity to enhance students’ library skills, raise awareness of the benefits that come with their library cards, as well as stimulate and increase student engagement with the library, its materials and services.

The visits connected 30,000 students to their library, introducing them to their youth services department—including its materials, services and layout—via a special program, tour and book checkout. Kindergarteners get a fun, interactive storytime that sparks a love of reading. Fourth grade students take a walk through Dewey and get hands-on library skills with a scavenger hunt. Seventh graders are engaged in a competitive game that gets them familiar with databases and physical collections.

The visits strengthen the shared commitment between DCPS and the library to provide educational excellence to school students. The increase in student understanding of their cards, and the services available to them, has resulted in expanded library card use, including the checkout of materials and use of library computers for schoolwork. One teacher summed it up perfectly, “I loved the field trip. Many of my students are now visiting the library on a regular basis.”