Please sign the co-sponsorship memorandum issued by Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El to support HB 2605 the School Library Restoration Pilot Program. This bill would establish a five-year program to create and study the impact of a functioning school library with a full-time, state-certified school librarian in 12 of the schools designated by PDE as “Low-Achieving Schools.” During the five years, data will be collected to show the impact that school libraries and librarians can have on our most needy schools and students improving academic achievement. Pennsylvania has lost almost 32% of its school librarians since 2010. There are only two universities left in Pennsylvania that certify school librarians. 54 school districts no longer employ even one certified school librarian. Yet, decades of research support positive correlations between high-quality library programs and student achievement, particularly showing improvements in reading and writing test scores. Although all students gain from having instructional school librarians and library resources, students who are economically disadvantaged and students of color tend to benefit the most. Some studies even found improved graduation rates among schools with school librarians. School libraries and librarians provide access to books and technology, motivate reading, and work alongside teachers to teach students critical information skills and navigate online resources. School libraries can provide safe places before and after school and contribute to student’s social and emotional well-being. Investing in school libraries and librarians is a proven strategy worth supporting to increase literacy among K-12 students. Students with little or no access to librarians and the services they provide are disadvantaged in ways that can affect them for the rest of their lives. And, most citizens agree that a library is a hub of learning in schools and want one in their child’s school with a supportive, instructional school librarian. Please give Pennsylvania’s students the learning opportunity they deserve by signing the co-sponsorship memorandum for HB 2605.

We urge you to sign the co-sponsorship memorandum issued by Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El to support HB 2605, the School Library Restoration Pilot Program. This bill seeks to establish a five-year initiative that would provide school libraries with full-time, state-certified librarians in 12 Pennsylvania schools identified as “Low-Achieving.” The program will collect data to examine the impact of these resources on academic achievement. Since 2010, Pennsylvania has lost nearly one-third of its school librarians, and many school districts no longer employ any. Yet, research consistently links strong school library programs with improved student outcomes, particularly among disadvantaged populations. School libraries provide essential access to books and technology, offer safe spaces, and help teach critical information literacy skills. Investing in these programs is key to improving educational opportunities, particularly for under-resourced students. By signing the memorandum for HB 2605, you can help restore vital services that support student success.

We encourage you to support HB 2605 by signing the co-sponsorship memorandum from Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El. This bill seeks to create a five-year pilot program that would restore school libraries staffed by full-time, certified school librarians in 12 schools classified as “Low-Achieving” by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program will assess the impact of these school libraries on academic performance over the five-year period. Since 2010, Pennsylvania has lost nearly a third of its school librarians, and many districts no longer employ any at all. However, decades of research confirm the positive impact of libraries and librarians on student achievement, particularly for economically disadvantaged students and students of color. In addition to providing access to books and technology, school libraries foster critical information skills, support reading motivation, and offer safe spaces for students. Your signature on the co-sponsorship memorandum for HB 2605 would help restore these essential educational resources.

Please consider signing the co-sponsorship memorandum introduced by Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El in support of HB 2605, the School Library Restoration Pilot Program. This legislation would establish a five-year program to create and study the impact of fully functioning school libraries, staffed with full-time, state-certified librarians, in 12 schools classified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as “Low-Achieving Schools.” During this pilot, data will be gathered to assess how school libraries and librarians can improve academic outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged schools. Since 2010, Pennsylvania has lost nearly 32% of its school librarians, and 54 districts now have none. Meanwhile, research consistently shows that strong school library programs enhance student achievement, especially for economically disadvantaged students and students of color. School libraries provide access to books, technology, and safe spaces, while school librarians teach critical information skills and foster a love of reading. The benefits of school libraries extend to improving literacy, social and emotional well-being, and even graduation rates. Support our students and their learning opportunities by signing the co-sponsorship memorandum for HB 2605.

Please show your support by signing Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s co-sponsorship memorandum for HB 2605, which aims to implement the School Library Restoration Pilot Program. This five-year initiative will place fully operational libraries, staffed with full-time certified school librarians, in 12 of Pennsylvania’s lowest-performing schools. The program will gather data to demonstrate the critical role that school libraries and librarians play in improving student outcomes. Since 2010, Pennsylvania has seen a 32% decline in school librarians, with many districts lacking even one. Meanwhile, decades of research show that students, especially those in under-resourced communities, benefit from having access to qualified librarians and school libraries. Libraries provide students with essential reading materials, technology access, and guidance in navigating information. They also offer safe spaces and contribute to the social and emotional well-being of students. Supporting HB 2605 is a step toward restoring these vital resources.