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By: Laura Axon, OASL Member-at-Large and Advocacy Chair
Mark your calendars! Library Legislative Day is on February 11, 2025, in Salem, OR. This is our chance to showcase the critical role school libraries play in student success. The link between strong school library programs and student achievement is well-documented. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies have demonstrated that elementary schools with at least one full-time certified teacher-librarian perform better on state tests.
Our libraries are the biggest classrooms in our schools, where children are free to explore their interests, build literacy skills, and engage in meaningful learning. Without access to strong school library programs, students may face lifelong challenges, contributing to higher adult illiteracy rates. This issue costs U.S. taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars annually and impacts nearly every socio-economic sector.
We’re also excited about the State of School Libraries in Oregon project, which is gathering critical data to present to legislators during Library Legislative Day. Additionally, advocacy is ongoing as librarians and parents leverage the Division 22 complaint process to address gaps in library services and push for compliance with state standards.
With the support of our new library lobbyist, Cassie Bruske from Eames Consulting, we’re poised to make a powerful case for fully funded school libraries. Let’s unite in advocating for the resources our students deserve. Explore the OASL Advocacy Toolkit to prepare for Library Legislative Day and beyond: bit.ly/oasladvocacytoolkit.
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