Washington Schools Need Teacher Librarians
All Washington K-12 students deserve access to a strong school library program with a qualified Teacher Librarian.
We believe all Washington students deserve access to strong school library programs directed by qualified Teacher Librarians. Decades of research confirm that students with strong school library programs and qualified Teacher Librarians have better educational outcomes and are more prepared for postsecondary education. This is especially true for students who experience poverty or other risk factors. However, school library programs in Washington are currently not equitably distributed, with those most in need of strong school libraries having the least access to them.
We hope you use this website to learn about the importance of all school libraries for Washington students.
We are committed to working toward equity in school library staffing for Washington's students.
OLLI is coming!
The Washington Library Association School Library Division is excited to announce its first Olympic Library Leadership Incubator (OLLI) for current and pre-service teacher-librarians. Whether you are studying to begin your library career or have been working in libraries for a while, you are invited to join this group designed to supercharge your leadership skills. Recharge your practice, share your passions, and elevate your impact with librarian leaders from across the state.
Participants will:
Earn up to 14 clock hours;
Learn practical leadership skills to use in your building, district, and state;
Network with other like-minded teacher-librarian leaders;
Form partnerships and collaborate on WLA presentation proposals;
Discover how to advocate for teacher-librarians within your capacity;
Elevate the profile of school libraries by being at the forefront of legislative support;
Tour the State Library and learn how it can support you, your staff, and your teachers.
OLLI’s first session will take place Friday, July 26, 2024 in Tumwater, WA from 8:00-4:00. Some travel stipends may be available. Subsequent sessions will be held virtually and at the 2025 WLA annual conference in Tacoma, April 10-12, 2025.
OLLI is made possible due to the AASL ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant.
Please complete this form by Wednesday, May 29 to apply. A limited number of travel stipends are available. Accepted applicants will be notified no later than Monday, June 3.
Questions? Email sarah.logan.wla@gmail.com.
Take Action!
Use the tips found here to invite representatives to visit your library.
Contact Local Education Policymakers:
For a letter requesting general support for school libraries that you can send to school board members, superintendents, administrators, other policymakers, and local parents, click here!
To request FREE postcards your group (PTA? Book Club? Neighborhood Group?) can use to contact policymakers, click here.
Here is a one-page document that sums up the research behind the importance of school libraries.
For a letter that you can use to invite policymakers and educators to your library, click here!
For general talking points, click here and here!
For shareable social media images, click here!
Show your support with a t-shirt or other merchandise! (scroll down to find our design)