Maria Zervos
Fairchild-Nichols Memorial Branch in Trumbull, CT and Edith Wheeler Memorial Library in Monroe, CT
Why are School Libraries Important?
As a public librarian who started out as a parent volunteer coordinator in my daughter’s elementary school library, which was exclusively run by volunteers, I can personally speak to the value of school libraries. School libraries play an essential part in encouraging literacy and a love of reading, but most importantly, they reinforce the basic tenet that reading is a part of all children’s lives. Access to books plus professional librarians who teach information literacy and collaborate with teachers is the very least we can do to create a truly literate society.
How has a School Librarian or Library Impacted You?
When I was a child, the school librarian was my main source for literature. My parents had come from different country and didn’t speak English very well. The school library was the place for me to hear stories and find books that helped me develop a deep love of reading.
How Does the Work of School Libraries Impact Your Work as a Library Professional or Person?
All librarians have a common goal in giving their community (of all ages) access to information. School libraries provide a safe place for students to explore books and information that is then carried over to their experience with public and academic libraries. The foundation for lifelong learning is established in schools- school libraries are a big part of the foundation. As children go, they have the confidence and experience to seek out similar places (public libraries, etc.) that build on their early experience in the school library.
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
- Contact your Representative to let them know how essential this bill is to our children’s education and futures.
- 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.