School Libraries

The proposed legislation calls for funding to be used on school librarians, among others, to help improve the "educator pipeline" and support student development and achievement.

Fines bar kids from library services, don’t bring in much revenue, and force staffers to spend time on bookkeeping. Several librarians say the pandemic was the catalyst for ditching them.

Legislation that mandates certified librarians in every school seems like the solution to librarian loss, but it isn’t always that simple—as Washington State shows.

Battling threats to library funding and positions and educating the community on the value of librarians often becomes like a second job, taking up nights and weekends with conversations, events, and social media posts. 

Has your library joined the movement to eliminate fines for kids and teens? Tell us a little more and help SLJ report on this topic.

In covering achievements in the library world, it’s natural to focus on outcomes, reporting and raising up the endpoint of success. This story represents a win, for sure. But as Colleen Kilbreath, director of the Stanton County (KS) Public Library recalls, it stemmed from failure.

The application period is now open for schools and libraries to seek funds from the $7.17 billion fund dedicated to helping with technology and internet access. The deadline to apply is August 13.

Twenty-five libraries in Title I schools have been awarded the $700 grants, presented by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, in partnership with SLJ.

The pandemic has significantly impacted school library budgets and spending this year. Here's what has changed.