Declare Your Right to School Libraries during School Library Month

The mission of the American Association of School Librarians is to advocate excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library field.

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Dear Colleagues,

April is School Library Month, and ALA and AASL are asking school librarians around the country to participate in a signing of the Declaration for the Right to School Libraries. The Declaration for the Right to Libraries is a cornerstone of my Libraries Change Lives initiative, and we've created a version especially for school libraries. It’s a simple yet effective means to begin the conversation with administrators, teachers and parents about the indispensable role of school library programs and school librarians. What better opportunity than School Library Month to ask for support and begin much needed dialogue? You can learn more about the initiative and download the Declaration here.

I promise that you won’t be the only one telling the school library story this month. “Our Children,” the flagship magazine of the National PTA has published my article this month, “Standing up for School Libraries.” Please check it out here.

ALA and AASL are actively working together on numerous initiatives aimed at raising the profile of school librarians, increasing awareness of the vital role school librarians play in children’s lives and gearing up for reauthorization of ESEA legislation.

I invite school librarians everywhere to get involved and empower their parents, students, teachers, and administrators to declare their support for the value of school libraries.

Sincerely,
Barbara Stripling
2013-2014 ALA President