The New Jersey Association of School Librarians is supporting two bills in Trenton to ensure that certified school librarians are teaching in every school and district across the state. The research is clear in linking student academic achievement to the presence of school librarians. However, too many NJ students do not have a school librarian. A1654 / S3440 (2026) requires a “ratio of school library media specialists to students” allowing every student to have access to the support of a certified school librarian.

These bills need your attention and support.

A1654, sponsored by Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis (LD16), and S3440, sponsored by Senator James Beach (LD6), clearly state what every school librarian across New Jersey already knows. In order to be college-and-career-ready in the twenty-first century, students must be able to use a wide range of information resources, including books, media, technology, and the Internet. All students must be able to locate, evaluate, and interpret information accurately for academic and professional success. Both bills have been referred to their respective Education Committees.