By Julie Baker Finck, Ph.D.

As a young child reading was neither my favorite subject nor hobby. But in fourth grade, I began serving as an assistant for my school’s librarian, Mrs. Jacobson. I spent many hours card cataloging books, placing them on shelves, and talking with her about the stories which lived inside their covers.

I also participated in the reading programs Mrs. Jabobson organized for our school in which she would offer incentives based on the number of pages we read or other criteria to motivate us to read. In fact, in my childhood memorabilia, I still have several crocheted bookworms, certificates of achievement, and even a trophy for being the 4th grade reading champion.

While I don’t recall the exact moment when I became a lover of books, I know that Mrs. Jacobson played a prominent role in fostering my passion for reading. She truly made a tremendous difference in my life, and I am certain she did the same for thousands of other children who visited the school’s library during her years of service.

Although much has changed in the more than 40 years since I was a fourth grader, research remains conclusive about the value and importance of school libraries and certified librarians. Specifically, a growing body of research conducted over the past two decades, including findings from nearly three dozen statewide school library impact studies, has consistently shown that high-quality library programs and student achievement are positively correlated. “In fact, [researchers] have often found that the benefits associated with good library programs are strongest for the most vulnerable and at-risk learners, including students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities” (Lance & Kachel, 2018).

Beyond test scores, school libraries serve as gateways to the world for students, and certified librarians play a pivotal role as navigators for students so that they become pilots of their own learning, creativity, dreams, and success. Certified librarians not only help a child find special books to read to spark a love of books and reading, but oftentimes also serve as a technology instructor, reading motivator and interventionist, source for instructional support, professional developer of teachers, and more.

We can and must do more to help all children graduate on time, participate fully in our economy, engage in society, and reach their fullest potential. It all begins with helping them learn how to read.

“Beyond test scores, school libraries serve as gateways to the world for students, and certified librarians play a pivotal role as navigators for students so that they become pilots of their own learning, creativity, dreams, and success.”

If we all believe that reading is fundamental, then we must invest in practices that have been proven, time and time again, to be foundational for reading success. Having robust school libraries with certified librarians in them is one important strategy to success.

As school and district leaders and educators face the daunting responsibility of overcoming the systemic and historic impacts on student learning post-pandemic, it will become increasingly challenging, yet increasingly important, for leaders to grapple with making tough decisions about how to prioritize the use of limited resources to meet the ever-growing needs of students. And, as federal emergency relief funds become depleted, school administrators will be left with no other option than to reduce support at a time when they are needed most, a quagmire that we all must recognize. We simply can’t expect teachers and administrators to do more with less then play the role of critic when cuts to essential staff, classroom resources, and interventions for students are made.

My hope is that we may come together to support our public schools and advocate for the resources that they need to do their best work with our children. Everyone, including us, will suffer the consequences of not acting with urgency.

Every child deserves a high-quality education, and every child deserves a Mrs. Jacobson.