Students Have Unlimited Access To Library System With New Program

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Starting Thursday, Manatee County students have virtually unlimited access to the public library system through a new partnership between Manatee County government and the School District of Manatee County.

The new All-Access Pass gives “students and families access (to) a world of resources available through our public libraries” by using their school ID number, Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said in a video shared by the county.

This includes more than 1 million books — both physical and digital — and more than 2,000 periodicals and 150 newspapers.

County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes said students will have “access to much more than just books.”

They can take advantage of one-on-one tutoring through Tutor.com, the opportunity to practice languages using the Mango app and access to LinkedIn Learning, he said.

There’s also a Library of Things, which allows families to check out items like telescopes, musical instruments, literacy kits, museum passes and more.

“This new partnership with Manatee County government will help broaden reading and learning opportunities for young families who live here now and for years to come,” Saunders said.