Rita Meade
Brooklyn Public Library
Why are School Libraries Important?
School libraries are an essential part of a student’s learning – research shows that school librarians directly impact student achievement in a positive way. Not only do they develop a school library’s collection, support teachers, and provide much-needed access to books, the school librarians also teach information literacy and technology lessons.
How Does the Work of School Libraries Impact Your Work as a Library Professional or Person?
In my job as a public librarian, I often work directly with school librarians to facilitate visits, supplement curriculum, and promote literacy. The school librarian is a necessary liaison between the school library and public library, and their trained professionalism helps the public library when it comes to providing the most effective resources for students.
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.