White House Connect ED Library Challenge

Greetings,

I am excited to share with you that I had the honor to attend a summit at The White House earlier this year on January 19th. Invited by the Urban Libraries Council and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, I joined approximately 80 White House Executives, Library Leaders, School Leaders, Mayor’s and County Executives to discuss the ConnectED Library Challenge.

 

Last year, President Obama launched the first White House ConnectED Library Challenge- a bold initiative that aims  to put a library card into the hand of every student.  Recognizing the critical role libraries play as trusted community anchors that support learning and connectivity at all times and places, the President called upon mayors, school leaders, and library directors to work together and create or strengthen partnerships so that every child enrolled in school has access to learning resources and community support that libraries provide.  In response to the President's call, a number of communities rose to the challenge to launch a local effort that will ensure every student has a library card to access learning resources. I am proud Houston has joined that challenge.

I was honored to represent the City of Houston ConnectED Team - our team consists of Mayor Turner, HISD Superintendent Grier and myself.  The ConnectED Summit provided a unique opportunity to share views and ideas about best practices while hearing and learning from peers from across the country.

 

I believe that HPL, the Mayor's Office and HISD are poised to take on the ConnectED Library Challenge here in Houston. We have a proven track record. Our goal to get one million cards in the hands of Houstonians is almost realized. In addition, we are currently conducting a pilot by giving Learning Link Library Cards to over 7,000 third grade students in HISD.   So the groundwork has been laid toward the ConnectED Challenge here in Houston. Not to mention, we have one of the most dedicated and committed staff in the country.  When we pull together, there is nothing that can stop us. Find more information about the ConnectED Challenge, visit https://www.imls.gov/issues/national-initiatives/connected-library-challenge and  https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/01/22/ConnectED_Library_Challenge.

 
Best Regards,

Rhea Brown Lawson

Rhea Brown Lawson, PhD, Director
Houston Public Library - We link people to the world.
500 McKinney| Houston, Texas  77002

832-393-1331