NCAA Read to the Final 4 Reading Challenge

Announcing the Read to the Final 4 Reading Challenge and the Learning Link Library card.  Please read the announcement and FAQ’s below to learn more about the program and the card and how they will be applied.  Those libraries (also listed below) in close proximity to participating schools will be receiving further instructions on creating NCAA Final 4 displays and suggested book lists.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, I’m happy to help!  This is an exciting endeavor and we are beyond thrilled to be able to offer our resources to students through this pilot card program.

 

FAQ’s

 

Benefits of the Learning Link card?

• Access to more than 1 million books, e-books, DVDs,

magazines and research materials that make up the

Houston Public Library (HPL) juvenile collection.

• Access to more than 150 electronic resources which

include streaming music, videos, images, audiobooks,

and countless other subject-based websites and

databases.

• FREE Wi-Fi and computer access at all 43 HPL locations.

• Access to Brainfuse, the Library’s FREE online tutoring

programing for students of all ages.

• There are no fines/fees for materials checked out on

your child's Learning Link Library card.

 

How will this card help my child?

• Stronger reading skills - the more students read, the

better their comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.

• Academic success - the more students read for fun

on their own time, the higher their reading scores AND

math scores.

• Good communication skills - readers will be armed

with the vocabulary they need to better communicate

with their peers, teachers, and parents.

• Critical thinking skills - readers improve their general

knowledge, and more importantly, are able to spot

patterns quickly and identify solutions.

 

How does my child get a Learning Link card?

• During the launch of the NCAA “Read to the Final Four”

Program at your child's school, he/she will be given

a Learning Link library card. It’s set up to begin using

immediately. A parent or guardian signature is NOT

required for activation.

 

How many items may my child borrow?

• Your child may borrow up to a total of 10 juvenile items at

one time for FREE. These can be print items, or audiovisual

items, including juvenile DVDs and books on CD. Your

child will also have unlimited access to digital materials

with their Learning Link card, including e-books, e-audio

books, and streaming video and music.

 

If my child loses their card, how do we

replace it?

• If your child loses their Learning Link card during the 2015-

2016 school year, you can stop by the Central Library or any

Neighborhood Library. Staff will verify their participation

in the NCAA “Read to the Final Four” Program by asking

them to verify their School ID and name of school. They

will then replace the missing card with a new card. This

card will be good for the remainder of the school year. All

Learning Link cards will expire July 31, 2016.

·         All locations will receive Learning Link stickers to place

on specific MY LINK cards with further instruction from LMS on

how to create the special account.

 

How long can my child keep library materials?

• The standard loan period is three weeks. Most items may

be renewed for one additional three week period. The

renewal period is calculated from the date the items are

renewed. DVDs cannot be renewed. The maximum loan

period, including renewal, is six weeks.

 

How can I learn more?

Visit www.houstonlibrary.org/learninglink for

more details on the Learning Link Library card.

 

Kallie Benes

Youth Services Advocate

Houston Public Library | Customer Experience

500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77002

Office: 832-393-1428 |  Email: Kallie.benes@houstontx.gov