The Talbot County Free Library is an essential resource for area teachers. To give their students the chance to discover for themselves how much fun reading can be, elementary school and daycare teachers regularly check out large numbers of picture books to hand out in their classrooms. Middle and high school teachers check out books on topics they are teaching, and then place them in their classrooms as reference materials for their students’ use or to have on hand for free reading times. And, of course, the library’s large and comprehensive collection is a life-saver for any parent hoping to home-school their children. The problem for all of these different teachers is that, as they go back again and again to check more materials out, it becomes harder to keep track of which books are due back when.
But the Talbot County Free Library has a solution. To make sure no one committed to the education of our young people ends up being fined for their dedication and hard work, the library will now offer “fine-free” teacher cards. Without fear of fines, teachers will be able to create temporary classroom collections and encourage the reading skills so necessary to a successful life in today’s world.
Only educators who work in Talbot County will be eligible for the Talbot County Free Library’s fine-free teacher cards. Library director Dana Newman said “educators” include: public and private school teachers, media specialists/librarians, licensed child care providers, and home-school parents and guardians residing in Talbot County.
Applicants for a teacher’s card must provide a driver’s license or other valid form of identification that verifies their current home address, as well as proof of their current teaching assignment. Acceptable proof of a current teaching assignment will include: a teacher’s work ID with a pay stub issued in the last 60-days; a letter on school or daycare letterhead (signed by the principal of the school or the owner of the daycare) that lists dates and details of the teacher’s assignment; a current State of Maryland Child Care Certificate (for licensed daycare providers); or written verification from Talbot County Public Schools of home-schooling status.
Library director Newman said, “We are excited about offering teachers these new cards. With them, teachers will be able to supplement their curriculum with an abundant, ever-changing supply of books on a broad range of subjects and reading levels. Students will have their eyes opened to the wide, wonderful world around them.”
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