Chicago Found a Shockingly Simple Way to Improve the Lives of 315,000 Kids

By turning student IDs into instant library cards, Chicago just gave 315,000 kids access to books, tutoring, and digital resources.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/chicago-found-a-shockingly-simple-way-to-improve-the-lives-of-315000-kids/

#GoodNews #read #reading #EducationForAll

Chicago Found a Shockingly Simple Way to Improve the Lives of 315,000 Kids

By turning student IDs into instant library cards, Chicago just gave 315,000 kids access to books, tutoring, and digital resources.

VICE
@NotRappaport
In Italy we have a similar system for accessing public libraries. Since 1973, a Tax ID has been issued at birth for every citizen (immigrants are given one when applying for a residence permit), so everyone has one.
With your Tax ID you can borrow books or e-books from your local public library.
There's even an app to request books online. Easy peasy!
@NotRappaport ID cards can be useful? Who knew?
@NotRappaport What am I missing, why don't these kids already have library cards before they get to school?
@glent In many U.S. cities, one must pay a small annual fee to get a public library card which enables one to check out books and use the library's electronic resources. It's because public libraries are chronically underfunded. Students of course have free access to school libraries but in poorer school districts, those are often not well-stocked. Yes, it's a messed up system.