Libraries helping students without internet stay connected in age of virtual learning days

CUMBERLAND COUNTY — Libraries continue to see a surge in library card applications during the pandemic as students learning virtually find it a valuable resource during the school year. Public libraries are increasingly valuable for students in rural areas without equal access to Internet and cell service.

“It’s the connection to the world,” Juniata County School District Superintendent Dr. Gary Dawson tells CBS 21 News’ Samantha York. “Without those resources, they’re just- they’re starting off behind.”

While a generation of students marked by its accessibility to information aims to learn during a pandemic, it’s dependency has grown on virtual learning options.

What about the students who don’t have equal access? Juniata County School District is combating the issue by providing Internet connection in outlying areas.

“We’re working really hard to try and bring internet service to all of our students, but we’re still a little ways away from that in some of our more rural sections,” Dr. Dawson continued.

His students rely on the resources provided by his school district and the Juniata County Library.

“Many of our residents have easy access to internet and those types of connections. We have many of our families that don’t. They don’t really have a connection at all, so their connection to the internet many times is pulling into maybe a Sheetz store,"Dr. Dawson said.

Whether students are choosing to learn virtually or their school closes for the day, school districts say students in rural areas are at a disadvantage when it comes to getting a signal to stay connected, and they’re partnering with local libraries to help.

“Borrowing any of our materials, using any of our services online, they’re free to the public,” says Cumberland County Library System Executive Director Carolyn Blatchley.

The Cumberland County Library System is partnering with East Pennsboro School District, Camp Hill School District and Harrisburg Academy to provide students with more books and information access all through an app.

“The library is the great equalizer,” Blatchley adds. “It gives all students of all ages access to free and high quality information.”

Blatchley says the Cumberland County Library System has seen a surge in library card applications and online book check-outs in the past year and a half across its eight locations.

It has been ramping up its efforts to support the community, lending hot spots and school materials to households in need.

Hot spots can be checked out for 14-30 days. It is free for residents to get a library card in Pennsylvania.