CCSD21 partners with Indian Trails to provide students with library cards

Students in Kayla Weiner’s class at Field Elementary School pose with library cards they received from Indian Trails Public Library as part of a pilot program during the 2024-2025 school year. The program has since been expanded to cover the entire district.

Students across Community Consolidated School District 21 will soon have expanded access to books and digital resources, thanks to a new partnership with the Indian Trails Public Library. 

The collaboration will provide every student in District 21 with a library card, granting them access to the library’s comprehensive collection of materials, online databases, and educational programs. 

“Schools play a vital role in building strong readers, but libraries extend that learning far beyond the classroom,” said Amy Breiler, director of teaching and learning for literacy. “This partnership ensures our students can explore, discover, and grow with the support of Indian Trails.” 

Indian Trails’ leaders say the effort reflects the library’s mission to connect the community with learning opportunities. 

“We’re excited to welcome District 21 students as library members,” said Sarah Heimsoth, youth services manager at Indian Trails. “Whether it’s checking out a favorite book, accessing digital tools, or participating in programs, these cards open the door to resources that support students at every stage of their education.” 

The library will create cards for students residing in the library district whose parents or guardians give consent to participate. Cards will then be distributed by individual schools during the first trimester. Families with multiple children must complete a separate form for each student, according to Breiler.

Parents will be automatically signed up for the library’s e-newsletter and reminder notices, though they may opt out at any time. 

To authorize participation, families must agree to securely share student information – including name, birth date, school and home address – with the library. Parents remain responsible for all items checked out on youth accounts. 

District and library leaders emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared goal of connecting students with resources that encourage academic success and lifelong learning.