Because there is still so much uncertainty regarding the pandemic, school districts across the country are facing unprecedented challenges as they try to provide education to millions of students while maintaining public health and safety guidelines. How can schools provide educational resources to students who might be participating in distance learning from home? The Wichita Public Library chose to work directly with educators, parents and students to inform them of the power of an e-card for their public library.

WPL staff created informational interactive one-sheets, a month-long social media and digital campaign and personalized emails to its roster of educators to discuss the benefits of library e-cards, specifically highlighting access to e-books and online databases. Youth Services staff shared this information with educators through personalized emails and reassured them that the library stands to provide support while they navigate this unorthodox school year.

WPL staff hoped a few new library cardholders would arise from this campaign. Staff didn’t anticipate thousands of new cardholders. Youth Services staff worked with principals, teachers and school librarians to issue new e-cards in bulk to area schools and classrooms. Elementary and middle schools in Wichita, and several schools in suburban communities, requested e-cards for their student body so they could access the public library 24/7 when access to their school library is limited.