The OLL (Osceola Library Link) access pass allows over 52,800 students K-12 automatic access to all online or in person resources that public libraries in the county have to offer, without needing a library card. However, as of September 12th, the Osceola School District has rescinded the OLL program. In a statement issued by Osceola County, district leaders say that the decision was made to meet the Florida HB 1069 and HB 1467 legislation.
These two laws intended to give the public more access to strictly instructional materials in teachers classrooms and school libraries, as well as the ability to challenge works they believe may be ‘pornographic, harmful to minors, or describe or depict sexual conduct’ as per HB 1467 (passed in 2022). This bill also revised district school board requirements for the selection and adoption of certain materials. HB 1069 (passed in 2023) defined ‘sex’ as biological for Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code, prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Pre-K through 8th grade. It banned employees and students from providing, being asked to provide, and being required to use certain titles and pronouns, and revised the process for objections of certain materials.
While Osceola Library cards are free, students will now need their parents to get them a card in order to access the public library. “The Osceola School District will continue to promote literacy and encourage all parents to get a public library card for their students,” Community Relations for Osceola County Dana Schafer said. “School media specialists will work closely with Osceola County library staff throughout the school year to provide opportunities on campus and at school events for parents to sign children up for their library cards if interested.”
An Osceola School District employee who teaches English 1 says, “Following the restriction on our classroom libraries, the removal of the OLL Pass was devastating. Myself and other teachers have already removed our own class libraries due to an inability to keep up with banned books under review. The OLL pass provided an outlet to foster a love for reading and access to books- as well as so many valuable resources and opportunities, such as research databases and maker labs. While these are still accessible for students in their personal lives, it limits my ability to teach by no longer having access in the classroom. Resources that enhance learning, engage students, improve test scores, and set students up for post-grad success have been confiscated. It makes me fearful for the future of ELA instruction and our students’ ability to develop their critical thinking skills.”
The district’s actions follow in the wake of multiple changes made to curriculum and teaching materials, and it seems like this will be one of the many to come- at least while Florida’s political climate remains in turmoil.
