Librarians

Empowering Students to Learn, Create, Lead, and Succeed

Access to quality education should not be a matter of chance but a fundamental right for every student in PA. School libraries, led by certified school librarians, play a crucial role in providing literacy resources and teaching students to evaluate information critically.

The data speaks for itself: schools with certified librarians consistently show higher graduation rates and improved test scores, regardless of economic factors. Furthermore, a recent Rutgers University study highlights the significant impact of certified librarians on students' research skills and digital literacy, key skills for college readiness.

The growing inequities in school library services, with 54 districts lacking librarians, and another 81 employing a single part-time professional, highlight the urgent need for legislative action. This inequity often affects our most vulnerable students, including those living in poverty, historically disadvantaged black and brown communities, and English language learners. Every student, regardless of their background or zip code, deserves access to a well-stocked library and trained librarian support.

Your support for HB640 and SB610 requiring certified school librarians in all PA schools is crucial to ensuring equitable education for all. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

1. Equal Access to Quality Education: Every student deserves access to quality resources and instruction provided by certified school librarians, regardless of their ZIP code.

2. Pennsylvania's Current Situation: 54 school districts in Pennsylvania, including 23 Intermediate Units, lack any school librarians, impacting 48% of counties.

3. Critical Information Literacy Skills: Librarians teach students to evaluate information critically, distinguishing reliable sources from misinformation and fake news.

4. Alignment with Academic Standards: Librarians are certified teachers who contribute to higher graduation rates by teaching skills aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Core Standards.

5. Closing the Achievement Gap: Research shows that school librarians help close the achievement gap, benefiting Black, Brown, and low-income students disproportionately.

6. College Readiness and Digital Literacy: Rutgers University's study highlights how students from schools with certified librarians perform better in using research tools and demonstrating digital literacy.