Our library media centers provide equitable access to information, resources, and technology to support student learning. We foster inquiry, creativity, and communication through books, digital tools, and hands-on projects. Students engage in reading, research, and collaborative learning experiences that enrich their academic journey.

Library Policies and Access
Each school maintains its own circulation policies and site-based collection development plan; however, all schools also follow the district-wide Collection Development Procedure. Students and families are welcome to recommend books for purchase by submitting a Suggest a Title Form.

The district’s Destiny Library Catalog allows users to explore available resources across school media centers, classroom libraries, and interlibrary loan. Through classroom libraries and interlibrary loan, students have access to all materials aligned with their school level or below unless a parent or guardian submits a Book Opt-Out Form through Focus (see Parental Choice). Some materials may also require parental permission before checkout, which is managed in Focus. Formal objections to library materials may be submitted by following district guidelines outlined in the Specific Materials Objection Procedure.

Digital and Research Resources
Students can access eBooks and audiobooks by logging into Destiny through the Classroom Resources folder in Classlink. Research tools, including EBSCO and Gale databases, are also available there to support students in developing strong research and digital literacy skills.

Library Programming
To encourage independent reading, students can participate in the Superintendent’s Reading Challenge. Goals vary by level: elementary students read 10–25 books, middle school students read 12 books, and high school students read 8 books. Students who complete the challenge receive certificates, and schools with the highest participation are recognized with a plaque.

Some schools use Beanstack, a digital app that allows students to log their reading and earn badges. Families should ask their school’s media specialist if Beanstack is available at their site.

Each year, the Florida Association for Media in Education (FAME) curates statewide reading lists through programs such as the Sunshine State Young Readers Awards (SSYRA and SSYRA Jr.), the Orange Blossom Non Fiction Award, and Florida Teens Read (FTR). Students who read at least three books from their grade-level list may vote for their favorite in the spring at participating schools. More details are available at www.floridamediaed.org or through your school media specialist.

Students may also participate in the Jim Harbin Student Media Festival, where they learn to plan, produce, and present original media projects. This program helps students gain skills in equipment use, copyright, digital storytelling, and production. Entries compete at the district and regional levels, and state finalists are honored at a red-carpet awards ceremony at the FAME Annual Conference. Learn more at www.floridamediaed.org/jim-harbin.

Florida Power-Library Schools
The Florida Power-Library Schools program, sponsored by the Florida Association of Supervisors of Media and the Florida Department of Education, honors schools with exemplary library media programs. These schools demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and a positive academic impact. Lake County is proud to recognize the following Florida Power-Library Schools:

Aurelia McKinney Cole Academy (2024–2029)
East Ridge Middle School (2023–2028)
Grassy Lake Elementary School (2023–2028)
Gray Middle School (2017–2022)
Leesburg High School (2018–2023, 2023–2028)
Lost Lake Elementary School (2018–2023, 2023–2028)

Lake County Schools