Live Oak Public Libraries and
the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System are partnering to provide all
SCCPSS students with free access to the public library through the Student PASS
program. SCCPSS students can easily
connect to public library materials and resources to help them succeed inside
and outside of school with their SCCPSS Student Number. The launch of the Student PASS program was announced
Friday, March 6, 2020 at A. B. Williams Elementary School.
The Student PASS (PINES Access for Student Success) is an
innovative collaboration between Live Oak Public Libraries, the Savannah-Chatham
County Public School System, and Georgia Public Library Service’s statewide
PINES network (Public Information Network for Electronic Services). The coordination between libraries and
schools strengthens the community's commitment to educational achievement and
brings together shared efforts to support literacy and lifelong learning.
“The Student PASS opens the door to expanded library
services and offers greater potential for academic success, in partnership with
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.
The program reduces barriers to access by giving students an equitable
and direct connection to resources,” according to David Singleton, Live Oak
Public Libraries Executive Director.
“The Student PASS creates opportunities for students of all ages, with
access to more than 11 million items across our Library System and other PINES
libraries in the state. Children can
explore fun learning activities and literacy resources. Teens can find homework help and tutoring. There are also study tools to prepare for the
future, with college exam prep and job readiness skills.”
The Student PASS is a pilot program. It is currently
available to approximately 38,000 SCCPSS students in Pre-K through 12th
grade. Charter schools are not included
at this time. There are future plans to expand to other schools and systems in
the state.
LOPL and SCCPSS are working together as educational
partners, with the public library serving as an extension of the classroom,
providing students with access to books, computers, free tutoring, reading
programs, and many other important materials and resources. By promoting student success inside and
outside of the classroom, the program is also an asset for educators, parents,
and caregivers.
“When a student develops a love of reading, it helps foster
a love of learning – an amazing gift we can give our children,” said Dr. Ann
Levett, Superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Schools. “We are thankful for the partnership with
Live Oak Library to provide library cards to all our students. This community partnership encourages
students and families to expand their horizons through a variety of exciting
events and activities. We believe in
giving everyone equal opportunity to be successful in life, and giving young
students access to the information and services that a library offers is one
pathway to that goal.”
SCCPSS students are automatically enrolled in the program.
Their student number, the number used for school lunches and other services,
becomes the student’s library account number.
There are no overdue fines for student accounts; the only
charges are for lost or damaged items.
The program is free and access to public library resources and services
are free.
The Student PASS program enriches academic experience. SCCPSS students can use their Student PASS at
their LOPL neighborhood library and online.
LOPL locations offer computers, internet, after-school programs, and
quiet places to study. Students can
check out books, ebooks, audiobooks, videos, and more. Online resources are available anytime 24/7
using any device from home, school, or the library. The Student PASS can be used at any LOPL
location as well as at PINES partner libraries across Georgia.
To learn more about the
Student PASS, visit your library or go to liveoakpl.org/studentpass
To see more photos from the event click here.
