Welcome to the Virtual Library!

District Library Media Program Overview

The District Library Media Program at Minnesota Transitions Charter School is a student-centered initiative that supports academic achievement and personal growth across all seven schools in the district, including Minnesota Virtual Schools, Banaadir Academy and Elementary, MTS Secondary and Elementary, and P.E.A.S.E. Academy—the nation’s oldest recovery high school. Each school library is designed as a welcoming, flexible space that fosters creativity, exploration, and collaboration. With access to diverse resources and integrated technology, students are empowered to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.

Library services provided by a licensed library media specialist empower students and staff to become enthusiastic readers, critical thinkers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. Through thoughtfully curated collections aligned with curriculum and student interests, MTCS libraries provide a foundation for lifelong learning and academic success.

MTCS libraries ensure equitable access to high-quality learning resources and personalized support for every student, regardless of background or learning style. School libraries within MTCS extend and enhance classroom instruction, meeting individual learning needs and encouraging student-driven discovery. In this way, the library becomes a vital learning environment where knowledge and curiosity intersect—preparing students for college, career, and active participation in their communities.

Library Information

Librarian: Lisa Marohn

Email: lmarohn@emailmtcs.org

Hours: M-F 8am-4pm

MTCS Student in Library

Quick Links

  • A-Z Databases.  Minitex offers access to 59 A–Z databases for Minnesota school libraries, funded by the State of Minnesota. These resources support both academic and personal student research and are widely used by educators and librarians to provide reliable, age-appropriate information across subjects like science, history, literature, health, and current events.
  • Destiny Library Catalog.  Destiny Library Catalog is an online system that lets students and staff search, browse, and access their school’s library collection anytime, from any device. It’s a powerful tool for finding books, digital resources, and research materials that support learning, curiosity, and personal interests.

 

Scholastic has compiled research from over 30 separate studies demonstrating the integral role librarians play in teaching and supporting student learning. They found that when school librarians are cut, student achievement suffers.

View the full report HERE

Link:  https://www.scholastic.com/content/dam/corp-home/School_Libraries_Work.pdf

📚 Minnesota Statute 134.51 – Access to Library Materials and Rights Protected

This statute prohibits public libraries, including those in school districts and charter schools, from banning or restricting access to materials solely based on their viewpoints or the ideas they convey.  Libraries may still manage collections for legitimate reasons such as space limitations, damage, obsolescence, pedagogical concerns, or legal compliance.  Each library's governing body must adopt a policy outlining procedures for the selection and reconsideration of materials.  These procedures should be administered by qualified personnel, such as a licensed library media specialist or an individual with a master's degree in library science.  Additionally, any completed content challenge must be reported to the Minnesota Department of Education, including details about the material, the review process, and the outcome.

🏫 Minnesota Statute 124D.991 – Public School Libraries and Media Centers

This statute mandates that school districts and charter school libraries provide equitable and free access to students, teachers, and administrators. Key requirements include:

  • 1. Ensuring students can locate, access, and use organized and cataloged resources.
  • 2. Maintaining a collection development plan that addresses material selection, deselection, challenge procedures, and upholds intellectual and academic freedom.
  • 3. Being housed in a central location that supports expanded learning and various student interests.
  • 4. Providing technology and internet access.
  • 5. Being served by a licensed school library media specialist or licensed school librarian.

🏛️ Minnesota Statute 134.31 – Department of Education; Library Responsibilities:

This statute outlines the Minnesota Department of Education's responsibilities concerning library services:

  • Supporting the provision of library services for every resident as part of public education.
    • 1.  Offering advice and instruction to library managers and governing bodies on library organization, maintenance, and administration.
    • 2.  Assisting in establishing and improving library services, especially in areas lacking adequate service.
    • 3.  Providing resources such as books, journals, and audiovisual materials to libraries statewide.
    • 4.  Collecting statistics on library operations, including receipts, expenditures, services, and use.
    • 5.  Providing specialized services to individuals with visual and physical disabilities through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library, in cooperation with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.

These statutes collectively ensure that school libraries in Minnesota operate with a commitment to intellectual freedom, equitable access, and professional standards, while also receiving support and oversight from the state education department.

Book Banning is against the law in Minnesota
  • No book banning is allowed in Minnesota: Public libraries, including public and charter school libraries, cannot ban, remove, or restrict access to books or materials based solely on viewpoint, ideas, or opinions.
  • Exceptions: Libraries may manage collections for practical reasons (space, damage, obsolescence), pedagogical concerns (age appropriateness, preventing disruption), or to comply with law.
  • Protection for staff: Library employees cannot be disciplined for complying with this statute.
  • Policy requirement: Each library’s governing body must adopt a materials policy outlining how items are selected, challenged, and reconsidered, with decisions overseen by a licensed or trained library professional.
  • Reporting: Any formal challenge must be documented and reported to the Minnesota Department of Education, including details about the material, hearings, and the outcome.

 

A Licensed School Librarian, known in Minnesota as a School Library Media Specialist, has a Master’s Degree in library information science as well as a state-issued library media specialist license.  A licensed library media specialist:

  • Encourages a love of literacy, reading and the pursuit of knowledge
  • Provides access to reliable, relevant, age-appropriate resources
  • Collaborates with teachers to support instruction and teach digital citizenship, research, information and technology literacy skills
  • Work directly with students to support reading and the development of skills needed to be college or career ready
  • Advocate for intellectual freedom and ensure access to information that represents multiple perspectives