FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University and Toppenish School District sign agreement to provide library services for Toppenish High School students

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is opening the Donald K.C. North Library on its campus to Toppenish High School students after their high school’s library became unavailable. Heritage University and Toppenish School District recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) which allows chaperoned Toppenish High students to visit the Heritage library and access resources and borrow library books and other materials.

Brenda Barragan, a teacher at Toppenish High School, said the school’s library closed in 2020 to make room for a new career center. Barragan and others realized students needed a library for research projects, access to books and databases, free internet and computer access, and a quiet space to read, learn and write. Toppenish High staff then approached Heritage University with the request to have their high school students access the Donald K.C. North Library. As a higher education institution, Heritage administration recognized the importance of fostering a spirit of collaboration and community engagement and worked with the Toppenish School District to develop the MOA.

Heritage University Library Director Daniel Liestman knows the importance that access to robust library materials will have for Toppenish High School students. “The opportunity for Heritage to provide access to THS students we saw as a vital link to their education,” said Liestman. “In today’s world of fake news, misinformation, and rampant bias, it is imperative that students in both college and high school, become smart and savvy consumers of information. We are honored to partner with THS and provide enhanced services that their students would not have had access to otherwise.”

Barragan thanked Heritage University for coming to the rescue of Toppenish High School and her students, as this groundbreaking partnership will open the door to a world of knowledge and opportunities for her students. “Access to the rich resources and expertise of the Donald K.C. North Library will empower our students to reach new heights in their academic journeys,” said Barragan. “This opportunity will enable our students to expand their horizons and achieve academic excellence. We deeply appreciate Heritage University for their commitment to educational collaboration and fostering a culture of learning within our community.”

The Donald K.C. North Library is located inside the Kathleen Ross, snjm Center on the Heritage University campus in Toppenish. The MOA between Heritage and Toppenish High School is in effect through the 2023-24 school year. For more information please contact Daniel Liestman, Donald K.C. North Library Director at (509) 865-8520 or liestman_d@heritage.edu, or Brenda Barragan, THS teacher at bbarragan@toppenish.wednet.edu.  For help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, Heritage University media relations coordinator, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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