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Mayor Bowser Announces Successful Implementation of President Obama’s ConnectED Initiative

Wednesday, November 25, 2015
DC among first in nation to meet connected challenge, giving 70,000 District students easier access to public libraries

(Washington, DC) Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Deputy Mayor for Education Jennie Niles, DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavalin, and education leaders celebrated Washington, DC’s successful response to President Obama’s ConnectED Library Challenge.  The District is one of the first jurisdictions in the country to fulfill its commitment.

In the District, ConnectED builds on the success of the DC One Card, a comprehensive credential designed to give children, adults and seniors access to DC government facilities and programs, including public schools, recreation centers and the Metro. Now, all 70,000 public school and charter students will have access to their public libraries - using the same card they use for numerous essential activities - without filling out forms.

“Libraries play an important role in expanding the minds of our young people,” said Mayor Bowser. “The District is proud to meet President Obama’s ConnectED challenge by giving students easier access to our libraries and the wonderful resources they offer.”

The ConnectEd Library Challenge is a bold initiative to connect all of America’s schools and libraries to the digital age, to jumpstart learning technology, and to ensure that America’s young people can benefit fully from new advances in digital content and connectivity.  In April, President Obama launched the ConnectED Library Challenge at the Anacostia Library.  More than 30 communities, including DC, committed to giving students access to city libraries.