Research shows that school librarians and libraries increase reading test scores, overall student achievement and graduation rates, and college and career readiness.  Libraries are also excellent investments, as every dollar invested in a Pennsylvania public library yields $5.50 in benefits. 
Unfortunately, there are gross inequities in access to school libraries and librarians, especially for students in poorer districts in both urban and rural areas. Too often, many children attend schools without libraries or a librarian, taking away opportunities for these children to grow academically, personally, and socially.
Since 2019, an increasing number of Pennsylvania students have scored below basic in every level on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSAs) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
 
Therefore, we are proposing legislation to establish a five-year School Library Pilot Program to ensure that low-achieving and underserved schools across the Commonwealth have equal access to libraries and certified librarians. This pilot project would also measure student outcomes so we could measure the impact of these libraries in these schools. By providing school libraries to the schools that are the greatest in need, we can help address the equity gap in students' educational experience, helping them better prepare for college and job training. And today’s prepared students will be tomorrow’s workforce, so this bill will pay dividends in strengthening Pennsylvania’s future workforce.
 
Please join us in supporting this critical legislation to support school libraries in Pennsylvania.
 
 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 3682: P.L.30, No.14