“The library card is a passport to wonders and miracles, glimpses into other lives, religions, experiences, the hopes and dreams and strivings of ALL human beings, and it is this passport that opens our eyes and hearts to the world beyond our front doors…” – Libba Bray
A talented librarian serves as a cornerstone of any school. School libraries are where students find representation in literature, discover their passions, and learn to love reading in all its forms. School libraries are places where all students belong, and are empowered to make choices in what they read. Did you know that research also shows that students score higher on standardized tests when they are enrolled in a school with a strong library program? (Source cited here). As such, this month is the 35th annual School Library Month!
In Issaquah, we are incredibly fortunate to have full time teacher-librarians in each of our schools. Our librarians teach lessons, support students in pursuing research and reading critically, bring in real-life authors for inspiration, and collaborate with teachers and specialists to champion curricular efforts. Equally as important, they manage our library collections (both digital and physical) to ensure that students have high-interest, diverse, and quality literature at their disposal. These goals are essential as we continue to focus on equity and inclusion in all aspects of our school system.
Click here to see author Jason Reynolds speak about the importance of school libraries, and why he believes they are a special place:
Before the transition to remote learning, our elementary school librarian team worked diligently to craft an updated Scope and Sequence based on our ISTE (Ed Tech) Standards, American Association for School Library (AASL) Standards, as well as the Common Core ELA Standards. A wealth of knowledge and experiences, they continuously support our students in recognizing perspective, evaluating sources for accuracy, and demonstrating digital citizenship in a time where these skills are increasingly crucial.
Our teacher-librarians have worked tirelessly to support students during remote, hybrid, and concurrent teaching this past year, particularly in regards to getting books in the hands of students. They have also launched Sora, our new e-book and audiobook platform in order to eliminate barriers to reading. (For more information on Sora for Issaquah, visit our Teacher-Librarian Staff Hub page).
Thank you, teacher-librarians, for all that you do each and every day to inspire our students to learn, read, and grow as readers and citizens. Our schools would not be the same without you! To learn more about School Library Month, click here.
To print a set of School Library Month bookmarks, click here!