Last week’s column talked about some of Airdrie Public Library’s (APL) online resources for school-aged children and our popular after-school programs.
This week, we’d like to flip the discussion to the teachers in our children’s lives.
As children step back into the routines of homework and studying, it’s also important to recognize the significant contribution from educators. Anyone who is a teacher (or knows a teacher) are aware of the many hours of preparation required to ready a classroom and course material for engagement with students.
The time involved frequently extends into evenings and weekends, and often at a teacher’s own expense. It’s no secret that teachers dip into their own pockets to purchase craft supplies or use their personal library card to borrow material for their classroom.
We won’t get into the nitty gritty of why teachers would have to spend their own money or use their own library card, but APL has a solution, at least for the book part of the equation.
Called Educator Cards, it’s a library card just for educators, so they can borrow books without having to worry about late fees or penalties for damaged books. The cards are intended for professional use and are good for the school year.
Obtaining the card is simple: just go to the APL website, and under the Library Services drop down, click on Memberships. There, you’ll find a downloadable form. Have it signed by your school principal and then come see us at Customer Service. Once activated, you can borrow 40 items at a time, with extended loan periods available.
You will have possession of the card, but the school is responsible for any fines for overdue materials and replacement costs for lost or damaged items.
Teachers deserve our encouragement and help, and Educator Cards are a way to make their job a little easier.
To learn more about this and other library services, visit www.airdriepubliclibary.ca
