Rally for School Librarians in Chicago

We're excited to support the the Illinois School Library Media Association's rally to put school librarians back in school libraries across Illinois during ALA in Chicago!

School districts in Illinois are making the wrong choice by cutting school library budgets and laying off licensed school librarians. The school library is the largest classroom in the school and it needs a collection that supports student achievement. The school librarian supports not just classwork but the discovery and achievement of the whole child. Numerous studies show that a licensed school librarian impacts student achievement. Only by coming together, standing up, and speaking out can we hope to stop these cuts and restore school librarians to their libraries.

We count on you to make it happen. If you can't attend the rally, please consider making a $10-25 donation to support this action today!

We invite you to join librarians, parents, teachers, administrators, and children from across Illinois and around the country as we come together for a demonstration in support for school librarians in Illinois. Join us on Friday, June 23rd at 12 noon in the plaza at the James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago to make our voices heard for licensed school librarians across Illinois.

When: Friday, June 23rd at 12 noon CDT (Rain or Shine)
Where: James R. Thompson Center (State of Illinois Building) Courtyard -100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Why: To demonstrate in support of licensed school librarian positions and school library program budgets in every school in Illinois
How: RSVP here. And bring your voice, your heart and your hope!

Legislators around Illinois and Governor Rauner need to hear about how important school librarians are. School Boards and Superintendents from Chicago to Carbondale and East Saint Louis to Danville need to hear about how a licensed school librarian on staff makes all the difference in a child's success. As the state's largest association for school librarians, ISLMA needs your support to make some noise at this demonstration and to keep up the fight into the next budget year.

Please click here to RSVP and share this event with your friends and colleagues

EveryLibrary, the Urban Librarians Unite (ULU) organization, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and the School of Information Studies at Dominican University are proud to support this event and ISLMA's efforts to restore licensed school librarians in schools across the state.

Follett is a proud sponsor of ISLMA and stands up for school librarians, especially in their home state.

John Chrastka
EveryLibrary
Executive Director