Schools Need Librarians!

The start of the school year got me thinking about all the people going back to classes--the students, the teachers, and the librarians.  Yes, librarians are an important part of the school staff, too!  And it also got me thinking, with all the budget cuts school districts have made around the country, so many school libraries are without librarians because they have been let go.

School librarians are no less valuable than language arts, social studies, math, or science teachers.  They teach students just like teachers of other subjects.  In addition to teaching students how to use the library, school librarians teach how to conduct research, a skill that's valuable not only in writing papers and creating projects, but also in real life.  This has become even more important in today's age when information abounds but may not always be accurate.  Librarians teach how to evaluate various resources and tell which ones are trustworthy.

Beside teaching and helping students, school librarians also help teachers.  They assist teachers in getting the right materials for specific class lessons, build classroom libraries, and get in touch with community resources, such as local authors.  Librarians and teachers are partners in education, promoting learning and finding ways to motivate all students, even those who may be difficult and reluctant learners.

Librarians turn the library into a safe and welcoming space for students and teachers to study, work on group projects, or simply hang out and read.  As a loner who felt she didn't fit in with different crowds in school, I saw the library as a sanctuary.  It may have been crowded and noisy out in the hall, but the library was peaceful and filled with books that took me away to different places.  And the librarian was always welcoming and ready to help me find whatever I needed.  The library was one place where I felt I fit in.

Never underestimate the importance of school libraries and librarians, especially concerning the development of children.  Let your school district know just how much your school librarian means to you.

Sincerely yours from the perch.