What is the Learning Link Student Account?
Answer
The Learning Link is a student’s educational passport to check out books, use online tools and access other services for FREE at all HPL locations and at home. It is a special library account that utilizes a student's ID number, making it easy for students to remember. There is not a physical card associated with these accounts. Each account is created using data provided by the school district. Accounts are automatically created for new students weekly.
All students and staff in participating school districts are automatically enrolled.
- Stronger reading skills - the more students read, the better their comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary.
- Academic success - the more students read for fun on their own time, the higher their reading scores and math scores.
- Good communication skills - readers will be armed with the vocabulary they need to better communicate with their peers, teachers, and parents.
- Critical thinking skills - readers improve their general knowledge, and more importantly, are able to spot patterns quickly and identify solutions.
If you do not want your child to have access to library materials, you may opt out by submitting this form. Be aware that students who opt out of Learning Link will need a Houston Public Library MY Link card and know the full card number and PIN to participate in library activities. Submit one form per child.
Students with Learning Link cards will never have overdue fines on their student library account. Students will be responsible for fees up to $10 per lost or damaged items.
Accounts will become inactive once a student reaches $50 worth in non-returned books.
Students have FREE access to Houston Public Library (HPL) books, e-books, audiobooks, online resources, and much more for learning and for fun! Staff have access to HPL’s electronic resources.
Currently, the Learning Link program is available to Alief ISD, Houston ISD, and Pasadena ISD students and staff.
Students can begin accessing HPL resources by visiting the HPL website and using their student ID number.
No. If a student already has a HPL MY Link library card, he/she will continue to be able to use it to check out materials from the library and use in-library computers. The student accounts supplement the MY Link library card and improve each student's ability to access HPL online research tools as part of their school work. Students who do not yet have a MY Link library card may obtain one after verifying eligibility.
Any student enrolled at a school in participating school districts are eligible for a student account. Accounts are automatically active upon on the first day of school (or student starts).
The student account remains active as long as student is enrolled in the district. It is valid during summer and other school breaks. Accounts will become inactive once a student reaches $50 worth in non-returned books.
Students may borrow up to a total of 10 (juvenile items for elementary students; juvenile and/or adult items for middle and high school students) at one time for FREE. In addition, students may place 10 items on hold. These can be print items or audiobooks. Students will also have unlimited access to digital materials with their Learning Link card, including e-books, e-audio books, and streaming video and music. There are checkout limits but they are the same as for any account.
The standard loan period is three weeks. Most items may be renewed for one additional three week period. The renewal period is calculated from the date the items are renewed. The maximum loan period, including renewal, is six weeks.
School staff and faculty with all participating school districts receive a Learning Link account as well! This account provides access to HPL’s electronic resources only. If a staff member wishes to physically check-out materials from a library location, they will need to use their MY Link library card or sign up for a MY Link card.