Bill S.2865 — An Act Relative to School Library Standards, has advanced out of the Joint Committee on Education and is now before the Senate Ways & Means Committee. With enough legislative support, we can push this bill forward to the Senate and secure meaningful, statewide standards for school libraries.

Please join the Massachusetts School Library Association and send a message today to your state Senator asking them to co-sponsor and endorse S.2865. 

The School Library Standards legislation defines what an effective school library program should include: a Licensed School Library Teacher (LSLT), up-to-date, culturally responsive print and digital resources, equitable learning opportunities for all students, integration of information literacy competencies across K-12 learning, and alignment to MSLA and AASL National School Library Standards.

Importantly, these bills require no new funding. Instead, DESE will collect data, support districts, and provide the tools needed to ensure equitable access across the Commonwealth.

Ask your state Senator to co-sponsor and advance S.2865. Students cannot develop strong research, media literacy, and critical thinking skills without access to high-quality school library programs.

Please send your message today! With your help, we can secure the future of school libraries in Massachusetts.