As youth across the U.S. head back to school, it's vital that we turn our attention to school libraries. Schools with a strong school library program and a certified school librarian ensure their students have the best chance to succeed. Yet, many students are returning to school without a resource essential for success: a strong school library program lead by a certified school librarian.
How important is the school library?
School libraries are more important than ever: According to a 2016 study by Stanford University, more than 80% of middle schoolers cannot tell the difference between sponsored content and a real news article. Access to information, and more important, a librarian or library worker to help kids process and interpret that information is crucial to student success.
Watch as students discuss the importance of information literacy, from the American Association of School Librarians.
School libraries help close the achievement gap: Students in high-poverty schools are almost twice as likely to graduate when the school library is staffed with a certified school librarian.
School libraries create lifelong learners: School libraries give students a unique opportunity for self-directed inquiry. Four out of five Americans agree that libraries help spark creativity among young people.
Your voice matters
If you aren’t satisfied with the library program at your child’s school, speak up! And if your children’s school doesn’t have a school library or school librarian—or the budget has been slashed—become an advocate! Ensure excellence for every student by demanding a school library with a certified school librarian in every school.
- Talk to your community’s parent leaders, teachers, principals, school board, or superintendent about the importance of strong school library programs with certified school librarians.
- Attend school board meetings or contact them via email to show support for school libraries. (Many districts’ websites have links for contacting the school board and district administrators. If you can’t find those email addresses, ask the school librarian or a public librarian.
- Speak up at PTA meetings and connect with other parents to talk about the importance of school libraries.
- Write a letter to the principal, superintendent, or write an op-ed.
- If you’re passionate about school libraries and education, you may want to consider running for your local school board.
The American Library Association has a wealth of resources to help you advocate for your school library and librarians. Explore them all here.
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Photo: RDNE Stock project.
