I love all these reasons, and I'll add one more: School libraries are essential to providing equitable access to learning.
The school library may be the only library that's accessible to some students. I used to be a district librarian for a small, high-poverty district that sat in a public library desert. Though we were close to Oregon's Multnomah County Library system, considered one of the best in the country, there were no branches within district boundaries. That remains true today. Even if a district isn't in a library desert, we know that not all students are going to be able to access a public library. School libraries staffed with certified teacher-librarians play an essential role in closing opportunity gaps in student learning. Multiple studies across the country have shown that school libraries staffed with teacher-librarians increase learning across subject areas for all students, and have a disproportionately positive impact on traditionally underserved students. I could say more, but I'll step down from my soapbox now. 🙂
This resonates so much. I grew up in a rural area. Closest library was a 40 minute drive. The convenience of my middle school and high school libraries was so essential. I could get books without bugging my parents for a trip into town.
This is beautiful, Andrea. I'm guessing you could have a part 2, 3, and 198 to this article and still have more reasons to share! Thank you for offering such rich ideas from your behind-the-scenes perspective.
Oh Andrea, you know I love this so much ❤️ Thank you for taking the time to write it!
I had a feeling this one would resonate with you! 🙂
I love all these reasons, and I'll add one more: School libraries are essential to providing equitable access to learning.
The school library may be the only library that's accessible to some students. I used to be a district librarian for a small, high-poverty district that sat in a public library desert. Though we were close to Oregon's Multnomah County Library system, considered one of the best in the country, there were no branches within district boundaries. That remains true today. Even if a district isn't in a library desert, we know that not all students are going to be able to access a public library. School libraries staffed with certified teacher-librarians play an essential role in closing opportunity gaps in student learning. Multiple studies across the country have shown that school libraries staffed with teacher-librarians increase learning across subject areas for all students, and have a disproportionately positive impact on traditionally underserved students. I could say more, but I'll step down from my soapbox now. 🙂
Yes! That’s such a great point. Several students over the years have told me the school library is the only one to which they have access.
I love this so much! Thank you for everything you do for kids in the library 🫶🏼
It’s absolutely my pleasure. It’s such a fun gig.
This resonates so much. I grew up in a rural area. Closest library was a 40 minute drive. The convenience of my middle school and high school libraries was so essential. I could get books without bugging my parents for a trip into town.
I love that your school library was there for you!
This is beautiful, Andrea. I'm guessing you could have a part 2, 3, and 198 to this article and still have more reasons to share! Thank you for offering such rich ideas from your behind-the-scenes perspective.
Yes, this post could have been a lot longer! Thanks for your kind words.
Love hearing your perspectives!
So sorry that you had a stressful month.
Hugs!
Thanks, SC! I’m looking forward to seeing you at the end of the week!