Public School Access Initiative

Starting in September 2020, every student in Eugene School District 4J and Bethel Public School District will be eligible for a free Eugene Public Library card, including those who live outside City of Eugene limits.

This waiving of the usual non-resident library card fee has been made possible by a three-year pilot partnership of the Eugene Public Library Foundation, Eugene Public Library, Eugene School District 4J, and Bethel Public Schools.

Because the cost of a non-resident library card is prohibitive for some families, some Eugene youth have not been able to have a library card even though their classmates, friends, and in some cases even next-door neighbors do.

Eugene has particular reason for concern about this. A key indicator for future academic and professional success is the ability to read at or above grade level in third grade. Currently, approximately 50% of Eugene third graders read below grade level.

A Eugene Public Library card provides access to many resources that promote success in school and beyond. The library offers students opportunities including ongoing development of reading skills, researching school projects, building study skills, working with live online tutors, and more. In addition to serving as a key to a universe of information and educational support in print and online, a library card offers nearly limitless opportunities to read for pleasure and enjoy movies, music, magazines, and more at no cost.

To sign up for a library card, contact Eugene Public Library at eugene-or.gov/library or 541-682-5450.

This initiative was funded through donations to the Foundation and generous sponsors: Lane Forest Products, Alex & Clare VonderHaar, Columbia Bank, Oregon Community Credit Union, Eugene Coin & Jewelry, Roehl & Yi, and Robertson | Sherwood | Architects.