Co-Sponsor the School Library Restoration Pilot Program in Pennsylvania - HB 2605 (2024)
Pennsylvania has lost almost 32% of its school librarians since 2010. Only two universities certify school librarians in Pennsylvania, and 54 school districts no longer employ even one certified school librarian.
Yet, decades of research support positive correlations between high-quality library programs and student achievement, particularly showing improvements in reading and writing test scores. Although all students gain from having instructional school librarians and library resources, students who are economically disadvantaged and students of color tend to benefit the most. Some studies even found improved graduation rates among schools with school librarians.
School libraries and librarians provide access to books and technology, motivate reading, and work alongside teachers to teach students critical information skills and to navigate online resources. School libraries can provide safe places before and after school and contribute to students’ social and emotional well-being.
Investing in school libraries and librarians is a proven strategy worth supporting to increase literacy among K-12 students. Students who have little or no access to librarians and library resources are disadvantaged in ways that can affect them for the rest of their lives. And, most citizens agree that a library is a hub of learning in schools and want one in their child’s school with a supportive, instructional school librarian.
The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) has introduced HB 2605, the School Library Restoration Pilot Program Act in the legislature to address this tremendous shortfall.
Send an email today to your state Representative asking that they co-sponsor HB2605.
This bill would establish a five-year program to create and study the impact of a functioning school library with a full-time, state-certified school librarian in 12 of the schools designated by PDE as “Low-Achieving Schools.” During the five years, data will be collected to show the impact that school libraries and librarians can have on our most needy schools and students to improve academic achievement.
Please contact your Pennsylvania state Representatives and ask them to sign the co-sponsorship memorandum issued by Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El to support HB 2605, the School Library Restoration Pilot Program.
