WHEREAS, School Library Month is observed each April as the American Association of School Librarians’ national celebration of school librarians and school libraries, and serves to highlight the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning; and
WHEREAS, School libraries help students develop literacy, a love of reading, critical thinking, research ability, digital and media literacy, and the lifelong habits of informed citizenship that are necessary for success in school, work, and civic life; and
WHEREAS, School librarians are uniquely trained educators who support classroom instruction, guide students in evaluating information, help young people navigate an increasingly complex media environment, and ensure that students can access books, resources, and ideas that reflect both their needs and their communities; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, advocates, educators, families, and community partners have continued to call attention to the importance of restoring and strengthening school library access for all students; and
WHEREAS, According to advocacy materials citing 2023-2024 NCES data, the School District of Philadelphia has the equivalent of only three full-time certified librarians serving 220 schools and 117,907 students; and
WHEREAS, The scarcity of school library staffing in Philadelphia underscores the urgency of ensuring that every child, in every zip code, has access to books, inquiry-based learning, information literacy instruction, and a welcoming library space staffed by qualified professionals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes April 2026 as School Library Month in the City of Philadelphia and affirms this City’s commitment to educational equity, student literacy, intellectual curiosity, and the vital work performed every day by school librarians, library staff, teachers, principals, caregivers, and literacy advocates.
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