The Demise of School Libraries
by: Angela Lee

     With people questioning the need for libraries it is no surprise that the number of school libraries is declining. The budget cuts that most schools face add to this problem.  This is so unfortunate, as school libraries are an important part of a student's school experience.  Libraries are so much more than just a place to check out books, they are a place to find information and collaborate. With the new common core state standards being implemented across the nation, research skills are becoming more important than ever. Libraries are where students learn research techniques and find the necessary resources to complete classwork. Informational text is an important standard in common core and the library gives students access to these books. Additionally, a school library provides access to digital devices to students without. Most school libraries have computers available for student use and for some, this is  the only access they have. As more research is done online, this is important so that all students are given the same opportunities. Along with providing the necessary tools, a school librarian has the skills to teach students how to search online for reliable resources. Additionally, most librarians assist the teaching staff with curriculum support as well as technical support. School libraries are also a place where students can go for homework help or a place to meet. I work at a middle school and when the library is open for students during lunch, it is always filled with students. Some are reading while others are on computers doing school work and some are playing games. The library is a safe place to hang out and that is another vital source a school library provides. The school library where I work is also open for an hour after school. From what I've been reading on this topic, students here are extremely lucky to have a school library like this. What's surprising to me is that in many schools, library space sits empty and unused. According to the article "Number of Libraries Dwindles in N.Y.C. Schools", the library at John F. Kennedy Junior High was not used for over ten years. Although the library for that school has since been renovated, I'm sure many schools face this issue as budget issues continue to be a problem for many schools. We need school administrators to understand the importance of a school library and school librarian. Check out this fun YouTube video of a school library in Wisconsin dancing along and showing how happy their school library makes them.  The students (and staff!!) look like they had so much fun making this video.

Works Cited

"Number of Libraries Dwindles in N.Y.C. Schools; City's number fell by more than half." Education 
               Week. 18 Mar. 2015:  Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.

Zurawski, Jennifer. "Our School Libraries Make Us HAPPY!". YouTube, You Tube, LLC., 31 Mar.  
               2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015