Schools with a strong school library program and a certified school librarian ensure their students have the best chance to succeed. If your children’s school doesn’t have a school library or school librarian—or the school library budget has been slashed—become an advocate!
Spread the word: Certified school librarians make the whole school more effective. They teach students how to learn, and they help teachers drive student success.
Attend school board meetings, especially when the budget is on the agenda.
Speak up at PTA meetings.
Talk to the principal. Ask the school librarian what you can do to help publicize the effectiveness of the school library and its programs.
If you don’t have time to go to meetings, send e-mails about your concerns and about your support for the library program. Tell decision makers how important school libraries are for student achievement.
Send administrators a link to this website.
Write and talk about your children’s interests and explain how the school library supports their pursuit of those interests.
Use social media to communicate with other parents.
Contact the school board. (Many districts’ websites have links for contacting the school board and district administrators. If you can’t find those e-mail addresses, ask the school librarian (or a public librarian) for the addresses.)
Write a letter to the principal, superintendent, or write an op-ed.