On Thursday, Sept. 23, Outreach Coordinator Holly Ray came during PRIDE Time as a representative from the Hays Public Library to offer a chance for students to get new or replacement library cards for free.

Ray had come to Hays High several weeks ago to sign the English classes up for cards but decided to return to give other students a chance to acquire a library card.

“I feel like it is vital for anyone in our community to have a Hays Public Library card because we have so many thousands of resources, and I feel like it is especially important for Hays High students to have an HPL card because many of the classes here use our digital resources such as Hoopla and Libby for their class curriculum.”

Along with academic benefits, having a library card opens student up to more HPL opportunities. Along with the countless resources at the library itself, library cards also give students the opportunity of utilizing the Bookmobile.

The Bookmobile allows students to check out materials, make new cards, place requests, pick up books that have been held for them and more.

“It will be really exciting to have the Bookmobile in service to the high school,” Ray said.

The Bookmobile had to be “parked” for a while because of the restrictions and dangers of COVID-19, but now that some of those restrictions are no longer in place, Ray said she hopes to bring the Bookmobile back to the high school on a regular basis.

There have also been changes and updates to the library building itself.

“I would encourage all of the students at Hays High to visit the library if they haven’t yet or if they haven’t in a long time because we have just completed a huge renovation this year, and our spaces are so much more inviting and bright,” Ray said.

Between learning opportunities and fun, the Hays Public Library has something for everyone.

“It is a really exciting time to visit the Hays Public Library,” Ray said.

22elundy@usd489.com