Number
260287
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. CHAMBERS
Title
A substitute resolution relating to the use of public school identification cards as library cards.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the Common Council’s support for expanding student awareness and utilization of Milwaukee Public Library resources through the existing LibraryNow partnership among the Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the Milwaukee County Federated Library System. The resolution requests a report on current program participation, strategies to increase student engagement, performance measures, and recommendations for legislative, administrative, or collaborative actions to further strengthen the program.
Body
Whereas, Access to books, digital resources, research materials, educational programming, and other library services is essential to student academic achievement, literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Public Library provides extensive educational, informational, and recreational resources to residents of the City of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the Milwaukee County Federated Library System currently collaborate through the LibraryNow program, which provides Milwaukee Public Schools students with library accounts linked to their student identification number; and
Whereas, The LibraryNow program has substantially expanded access to library resources for Milwaukee Public Schools students; and
Whereas, Preliminary information indicates that opportunities remain to increase student awareness, participation, and utilization of existing library resources and services; and
Whereas, Continued collaboration among the Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee Public Schools, the Milwaukee County Federated Library System, and the Common Council may identify additional opportunities to strengthen student engagement with library services and improve educational outcomes; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council expresses its support for the continued expansion and promotion of the LibraryNow program and other initiatives that improve student access to and utilization of Milwaukee Public Library resources; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council requests that the Milwaukee Public Library, in consultation with Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee County Federated Library System, provide a written report to the Common Council, within 180 days of adoption of this resolution, regarding all of the following:
1. The current operation and scope of the LibraryNow program.
2. Current student participation and utilization trends.
3. Barriers to student awareness and use of library resources.
4. Opportunities to enhance the functionality and awareness of the existing LibraryNow program.
5. Existing and proposed outreach strategies intended to increase student participation.
6. Existing and proposed performance measures and benchmarks for evaluating program effectiveness, student engagement, and future program outcomes.
7. Recommendations for legislative, administrative, funding, technological, or collaborative actions that would further expand student participation and improve utilization of library resources.
;and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk shall transmit copies of this resolution to the Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees, the Milwaukee Public Library, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors, the Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, and the Milwaukee County Federated Library System.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB181697-1
Addis Zewdie
07/20/2026