Earlier this year, Philadelphia schools received exciting news about the revival of school library programs. The School District of Philadelphia (SDP), in collaboration with the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians (PARSL), secured a $150,000 grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. This funding will help develop a strategic plan for urban school districts with a large population of students of color from low-income communities, to reintegrate certified school librarians and library programs into schools (1). This initiative presents a timely opportunity to recognize the critical importance of school librarians in creating an enriching learning environment and their vital role in supporting student development.
School libraries are essential spaces that not only help students learn to read and find resources, but also support their overall education. Research shows that students in schools with full-time, certified librarians perform better on reading tests than their peers in schools without these resources. This is especially relevant for Philadelphia, where standardized test data from 2022–2023 indicates that most students in grades 3–8 are not reading at grade level (2). In addition to improved reading competency, studies have found that schools with library programs achieve significantly higher test scores in math and have higher graduation rates when compared to schools without school libraries (3). Beyond improving academic performance and literacy rates, school libraries provide vital resources that allow students to explore their interests. Certified librarians are crucial in guiding students to develop critical thinking and research skills essential for lifelong learning (4).
The recent grant marks a significant milestone in the effort to restore school libraries and establish certified librarians in Philadelphia. Upcoming plans for using this grant involve partnering with representatives from other urban districts that have successfully added school library programs, such as Boston and Los Angeles, to create effective implementation strategies. The initiative will also explore local educational pathways for aspiring librarians and devise strategies for recruiting diverse candidates. A comprehensive five-year strategic plan will be created using Philadelphia schools as a model for restoring school libraries in urban districts. This plan, along with all related research, will be publicly accessible online, allowing other cities to adapt it as a framework to develop their own library programs (1).
Overall, this grant represents a pivotal step toward revitalizing school library programs and enhancing educational opportunities in Philadelphia schools. By restoring certified librarians and library resources, this initiative holds great promise for improving academic performance among K-12 students while fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Author: Leena Kasa
Medical Student, Rowan Virtua SOMÂ
Sources:
Chrastka, J. (n.d.). New Federal Grant Drives Partnership Between PARSL and SDP to Restore School Librarian Positions. Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians. https://www.restorephillylibrarians.org/new_federal_grant_partnership.
Bauld, A. (2024, April 16). Philadelphia May See the Return of School Librarian Positions. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/Hope-Philadelphia-School-Libraries
Lance, K. C., & Kachel, D. E. (2018, March 26). Why school librarians matter: A review of the research. Phi Delta Kappan. https://kappanonline.org/lance-kachel-school-librarians-matter-years-research/
Chrastka, J. (2023, September 20). Making the case for school libraries: Are you up to date on the research? School Library Journal. https://politicsinpractice.slj.com/2023/09/20/making-the-case-for-school-libraries-are-you-up-to-date-on-the-research/
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