The bedtime story – it is a common ritual in many households, except for homes where parents work during the evening or do not speak English.

“Some of my students’ parents work during the evenings and are unable to help them with homework or read to them,” explained Cathy DuPre, Media Coordinator for J.H. Gunn Elementary. “Or in some cases, the parents only speak Spanish and cannot read to their children in English or assist with homework.”

When Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the Library teamed up in August, leaders from both organizations envisioned the myriad ways that this partnership could extend access to important resources and materials to thousands of students. Now, many teachers are witnessing the benefits of the initiative, ONE Access (One Number Equals Access). Through ONE Access, students use their school ID numbers instead of separate library cards to access Library databases, borrow digital materials such as e-books, and borrow up to 10 print or audio books.

Whether a child needs research material for an upcoming writing assignment, virtual tutoring, or access to Library tools such as Tumblebooks, ONE Access enhances education both in and out of the classroom.

“One of my students said her mother works until midnight each night, so she couldn’t read to her during the evening,” said DuPre, “I showed the student how she could access Tumblebooks using a cell phone, and the animated app will read to her each evening.”

In addition to services like Tumblebooks, students have access to popular online resources needed to assist with science projects and also access tutor.com–a professional, online tutoring service.

“ONE Access is so powerful because students can use the Library to build on the concepts taught in the classroom,” DuPre explained. “For example, PowerKnowledge enhances science concepts for students in grades 3 through 6. I’ve given my students time to explore, learn, and evaluate these resources.”

At DuPre’s school, J.H. Gunn Elementary, 80% of the 809 students use their ONE Access accounts, which is slightly higher than the 78% of students district wide using ONE Access.

“We’re encouraging our teachers to reinforce the availability of these resources using ONE Access accounts,” DuPre said. “And, there’s a district-wide goal to have 100% of students using their accounts by spring break.”

As more and more students turn to the Library to find information and resources, it is very important to ensure books, e-books, and digital resources are available to students. To help us keep up with the demand, please consider donating to support books and materials.