Just show your student ID: Libraries in Chapel Hill, Durham, Orange County make it easy for students to check out a book

Durham, Orange and Chapel Hill libraries are adding or expanding programs that let school kids check out books with just their student ID.

Posted 10:02 p.m. Aug 27, 2018 — Updated 10:02 p.m. Aug 27, 2018

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Three local library systems are making it easier for students to check out a book. Chapel Hill Public Library and Durham County Library are launching programs this fall that let students use their school ID number to get access to library resources. And an existing Orange County Public Library program is expanding to include more schools.

Here are details about each of the programs:

Chapel Hill Public Library

Starting in early September, students, teachers and staff in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School System can use their school ID number to get access to all library resources at the Chapel Hill Public Library.

The IDEA project, as it's called, lets people use their school ID number to do everything they can do with a regular library card - log in to research databases, check out print and audio books and download digital materials.

The program will begin, according to a description of the program, in early September after the new school year begins.

Here are some more details about the program, according to the town's website:

If you have a CHCCS ID, you won't need to do anything to start using the library (once the program launches). An account will be created for you.
There is no difference between an IDEA account and a regular account. You have the same access to materials, same loan periods and same fee structure.
If you already have a library account, no problem. The two accounts can be merged.
If you don't want an IDEA account, you can opt out.

Orange County Public Library

The IDEA project is separate from the Orange County Public Library's three-year-old Student Easy Access account program. That program also gives students access to the county library system with their school ID card.

The program began on a small scale with The Expedition School in Hillsborough three years ago, according to a press release. It now is entering its second year with the Orange County Schools District. This month, it expanded to include all students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to serve the students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school district,” said Lucinda Munger, director of the Orange County Public Library, in the press release. “Libraries working with schools to expand access to learning; it just makes sense.”

Durham County Library

Through a partnership with Durham County Library and Durham Public Schools, the Bull City, NC Schools & Libraries Achieving More initiative will start on Oct. 1. This project provides all students in Durham Public Schools access to Durham County Library resources with just their student ID number.

Here are some more details about the program, according to a news release:

Students will have access to learning resources offered through Durham County Library.
Students will be able to access and check out Durham County Library resources by using their Student ID number.
Students may borrow from Durham County Library’s online digital collections and access the library’s databases. Some examples of these databases are TumbleBook, OverDrive, RBdigital Magazines, and many more.
Students may borrow up to five print items, at one time. (CDs, DVDs, TV DVDs and other non-print items are excluded).
There are no overdue fines for those students who sign up through this initiative. However, students are responsible for fees on lost or damaged books.
Teachers and students will be able to access and use these instructional resources for academic enrichment both at home and school.

“We are so excited to see this initiative come to fruition,” said Tammy Baggett, Durham County Library Director, in the release. “Literacy is of critical value, and together with Durham Public Schools, we are grateful to be involved in facilitating a love for learning in the Durham community.”

Suggest A Correction