Local politicians notice when people speak up about important community issues, such as supporting school libraries.

That’s why we need people like you to submit letters to the editors of your local papers to help get the word out that California school libraries are struggling to meet the needs of students across our state. We made it easy with this tool!

Here are some prompts to help!

If you have worked in a school library, you may have experienced the challenges of supplying students with an accurate, relevant, and diverse collection with meager funding. Local voters need to hear about the obstacles you have faced. 

Do you worry about youth navigating a sea of misinformation and wonder if our school libraries and librarians have the resources to teach our students digital literacy skills? 

Did you know that in CA, there is about one credentialed librarian for every 9,667 students, compared to the recommended one librarian for every 785 students?

 Research shows a measurable connection between the quality of a school library and whether students have better grades and a higher chance of attending college. Currently, CA school libraries are ranked last in the nation, and students are ranked 49th in nationwide literacy exams. 

Are you worried about the declining literacy rates of California students? Especially our students with disabilities and students of color who need better-equipped school libraries to help decrease educational disparities.  

How do you feel about previously protected state funding for school libraries now being under the jurisdiction of local school districts, many of which increasingly do not prioritize money for school libraries?

 Did you know that California is not living up to the Model School Library Standards designed by the State Board of Education in 2010?

How do you feel about the importance of school libraries offering sanctuary and safe, informal educational settings, enabling students to relax, develop a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to freely explore new ideas? 

Do you want to help protect students' intellectual freedoms by hiring trained librarians to ensure diverse perspectives are represented in library collections? 

Can you see how your child’s school library/librarian could make even more valuable contributions to your student’s quality of life and education if given more resources to function at a higher level?