Did you know that library staff deliver materials and coordinates class visits to the library? WPPL’s outreach efforts aid teachers an enhance student learning by delivering to 21 local schools, preschools, and daycare facilities, and assisting them with field trips to the library.
School Liaison Rachel Gerig and Early Literacy Librarian Jamie Dinan work with local schools through our Porter Express service. Porter Express allows teachers to request library materials by phone, email or a form. Teachers can use these materials to supplement their curriculum and provide additional resources to students. Library staff pull the materials, which are then delivered to the teacher.
In January of this year, Rachel and Jamie delivered 261 items to local schools in over 26 trips. That includes Westlake City School District schools, local parochial and Montessori schools. The average number of items delivered is about 200 but varies by month due to school holidays and other factors. Rachel works closely with the teachers to ensure they have what they need when they need it.
Teachers love this service, according to Rachel. “They are all very grateful that we make deliveries because they have a lot on their plates, and this allows them focus on those other things.” She also said school secretaries have also thanked her on behalf of teachers and parents of students.
In addition to deliveries, Rachel also works with local schools to provide tours when they bring elementary classes to the library on field trips. So far for the 2025-26 school year the library has hosted 126 field trip classes and over 1,500 students. Field trips include a tour, familiarizing students with the library, and much more. Rachel works with teachers to provide customized tours, usually supporting current lessons and curriculum. Students not only learn about the library, but also where they can find more information and resources related to what they’re currently studying.
For preschool trips, Rachel usually puts together a shorter tour, storytime and a craft activity. She also does tours for other groups, like Boy and Girl Scout troops.
Westlake Porter Public Library’s outreach services are a prime example of partnering with the schools to supplement their curriculum with resources already owned by the community’s library, enriching student learning while teaching students about the resources they will need as they continue through their academic careers.
