A partnership that allowed Virginia Beach Public Schools students to use school IDs at the city libraries ended, and some library advocates are concerned it could create barriers to access.

The partnership was ended because many of the library’s digital resources overlapped with resources the school could provide, the school district said in a statement. It went on to say no notice was sent out to parents since the resources “were not widely used.”

The statement did not indicate how many students were using the program.

“VBCPS and (Virginia Beach Public Libraries) have since focused on expanding our partnership in new ways, including participation in school open houses and family nights where families can learn about resources and sign up for library cards,” the school district said.

Bryan Clark, a communications manager for the city, said the school district initiated the end of the partnership, but it maintains a strong relationship with the library system and is “committed to supporting student learning and success.”

Initially announced in 2019, the partnership was designed to allow all district students to use their student identification number to access digital research at any of the city’s library locations. These included computer access, research tools, e-books and digital magazines. The number would expire 30 days after the student graduated or left the school district.

At the time, organizers of the partnership said it would improve literacy and other educational opportunities. Parents could also opt their child out of the program.

Bob Gilson, a board member for the Friends of the Library in Virginia Beach, said the change could create a barrier to access for children whose parents may have multiple jobs or other commitments that could prevent them from getting library cards. A parent has to be present to sign paperwork.

“If a child wants a library card, the kid comes to the front desk says, ‘I want a library card,’” Gilson said. “The librarian at the front desk says, ‘Here’s a form. Fill it out.’ The parents might be there, sign it and it’s done. They’re then into the system.

“But to force them to do that is an unnecessary thing, especially when this has been going on — as I understand it — for quite some time.”

Gilson said the group plans to increase awareness and promotions for library cards. The move could affect thousands of students, so getting them back in the system could take time. He also said the change would not affect any of the grant funding for the Friends of the Library.

“We are working on a plan that when you come into every library we have, you see posters that say get your library card and how to do that,” Gilson said.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com

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https://www.dailypress.com/2025/09/29/virginia-beach-students-library-access/