Eugene Public Library delivers free ready-to-use cards to 4,800+ Bethel students

More than 4,800 Bethel School District K–12 students have received ready-to-use Eugene Public Library cards, with the library saying distribution to students began in February 2026 and that cards were delivered directly at school. Eugene Public Library’s March 5 announcement and an Instagram post described the cards as “ready to use and delivered directly into their hands at school.”

The district-wide rollout covers students across Bethel’s 11 schools; reporting numbers vary slightly, with one account putting enrollment at roughly 4,850 K–12 students while Eugene Public Library and social posts describe the total as “more than 4,800” or “4,800+.” Bethel Superintendent Kraig Sproles framed the program as a broad access move: “We are thrilled that every Bethel student now has access to a free Eugene Public Library card. Libraries open the door to reading, learning and exploration, and access to books is essential for helping students and families build joyful learning communities where students can thrive. We’re grateful to partner with the City of Eugene and the Eugene Public Library to connect our students with these valuable resources.”

Student cards issued through schools eliminate the need for families to visit a branch to register and will be automatically renewed each school year for continuing students, with new cards for incoming students. The student cards provide immediate access to Eugene Public Library’s digital offerings, including e-books, audiobooks, research databases, live homework help by professional tutors, streaming movies, music and comics, and they allow students to borrow up to five physical items at a time. Physical items listed by the library include books, comics, DVDs, CDs, art and technology tools, games and puppets. Parents were given the option to opt out prior to launch, and students with existing standard cards can keep both or cancel one.

The effort is part of a three-year pilot partnership that includes the Eugene Public Library Foundation, Eugene Public Library, Eugene School District 4J and Bethel School District; the library began a similar program with 4J in 2024. Will O’Hearn, Eugene Public Library director, said, “A library card is the most powerful back-to-school supply. Working together with our partners, we can now ensure that every single student in 4J and Bethel School District can get a library card free of charge. We’re very happy to be able to support our whole community by increasing access to crucial resources for educational success.” Cydney Vandercar, interim superintendent for Eugene School District 4J, added that the move expands year-round access to both school and public library resources.

Bethel School District will contribute $2,000 per year to support the student-card project. Families and residents with questions or those wanting to upgrade a student card to a standard card can call Eugene Public Library at (541) 682-5450; those interested in supporting the Public School Access initiative can contact the Eugene Public Library Foundation at info@eplfoundation.org. The program’s expansion from 4J to Bethel signals a coordinated push to reduce registration barriers and put library resources into students’ hands across Lane County.