Lydia Willoughby
Sojourner Truth Library at SUNY New Paltz
Why are School Libraries Important?
School librarians enrich positive learning partnerships in the classroom, and are important indicators in students’ intention to complete college, as well as in college retention. In addition, school librarians have expertise in adaptive technologies and literacy practices that support learning disabilities.
How has a School Librarian or Library Impacted You?
I learned how to research from school librarians, how to be self-sufficient in my imagination of reading, and I found a space free from bullying and homophobia.
How Does the Work of School Libraries Impact Your Work as a Library Professional or Person?
When students enter college with experience working with a school librarian in their high school, they perform better at college level research and bring analytic skills applicable to higher ordered critical thinking. Undergraduate students who have had the benefit of complex learning environments that invest in school librarians perceive a higher commitment of institutional support for student success.
For the first time we are seeing strong language protecting School Libraries in national education policy. ESEA is up for a vote and this bill will be CRUCIAL to the future of school libraries, a section of the profession that has been under assault for decades. An Assault on One is an Assault on ALL. Stand up for School Libraries in America TODAY!
Find your Elected Official in the House
1. Contact your Representative to let them know how essential this bill is to our children’s education and futures.
2. Contact absolutely everyone you know and ask them to do the same thing.
Talking points
· Vote Yes on the Every Student Succeeds Act Conference Report.
· School libraries are critical to our children’s future and the Conference Report includes critical language to support effective school library programs.
This language is historic: For the first time in half a century Congress has underscored the importance of effective school library programs by expressly including them in multiple parts of this watershed reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Join the movement to protect school libraries and call Congress today.