Press Release
Charleston County School District (CCSD) continues to expand and improve their partnership with the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL). The latest program, L2 (L Squared) comes on the heels of the 2020 Summer Reading partnership.
L2 allows all CCSD students to have full access to CCPL’s physical and digital collections, simply by using their CCSD username. This will remove barriers to student access and greatly increase the number of resources available to them. Students using CCSD’s new eBook and audiobook platform, Sora (Overdrive for Education), will be able to simply toggle to the CCPL’s digital collection.
CCPL has an incredible amount of digital resources, which will greatly expand student access. According to Christy James, Library Media Services Coordinator, the two agencies keep finding ways to connect resources for students and families.
“The Summer Reading program really has opened opportunities for other smaller partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to work together throughout year,” said James. “This is a huge step to give all students access to the public library. Especially now, it is more important than ever.”
Through the Summer Reading program, officials from both agencies learned that kids often have transportation issues and are unable to get to the physical branches throughout the school year and even more so in the summer.
“We are proud to partner with CCSD for the L2 program and we are committed to supporting our students whether it is in person or virtually,” said Angela Craig, Executive Director Charleston County Public Library.
“Returning to school looks different this year, and while there are challenges there are also great opportunities. With the L2 account, students can access the public library and its resources any time they need them. This partnership proves that we are stronger together, and we are fully equipped to support our students with opportunities to learn and to grow.”
With L2, students are automatically registered and there is no need to keep track of a physical library card. Similar to Summer Reading, students use their CCSD username as a log-in or in place of a traditional library card or account number. In addition, a new online platform, Sora (Overdrive for Education), connects the district to the library system. When a student is logged into the school library's digital collection, they can now simply toggle between the school district digital library and CCPL's to unlock even more age-appropriate books and audiobooks.
To use L Squared in a CCPL branch to check out materials, students simply enter their credentials into any self-check kiosk or provide their information to a staff member at check out. Students who wish to access the internet on CCPL computers must abide by the system's rules for internet use in the library (visit ccpl.org/l2 for details).
“This partnership really increases the amount of resources available to students in a huge way,” said James. “Not only will the libraries see more usage, but it helps CCSD knowing kids have more access to books inside and outside of school.”
L2 accounts are fine-free, which means students will not accrue late fees or fines for materials returned beyond the due date (though some lost item fees still apply). This is being done in an effort to eliminate possible barriers. The hope is to increase family participation and provide literacy support using family involvement strategies.
“Our partnership with the library has been incredibly beneficial because when we work together, we increase access and we know that this is what benefits all of our students,” said James. “What the public library does for our community at large is incredible and this partnership is another sign of their commitment to make sure that we have a stronger community.”
All library account information and updates will be sent via email from the library to the student's CCSD email account. For more information about L2, visit ccpl.org, email info@ccpl.org or contact your local CCPL branch. For questions about CCSD, contact the Office of Strategy and Communications at (843) 937-6303.
