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April is School Library Month!
Celebrate and Support School Libraries! (April 2024)
Governor Whitmer Proclaims April 2024 as School Library Month in Michigan!
WHEREAS, school library programs staffed by certified school librarians are integral to improving student achievement; and,
WHEREAS, effective school library programs contribute to a well-rounded education and improve the climate and culture of schools; and,
WHEREAS, effective school library programs promote and make accessible diverse print and digital resources for all students; and,
WHEREAS, certified school librarians teach students the skills they need to access, evaluate, and use information throughout their lives; and,
WHEREAS, certified school librarians are leaders in technology integration and digital literacy in their schools; and,
WHEREAS, school libraries are not only places where information can be found, they are also places that can bring enrichment and recreation to students for many years to come; and,
WHEREAS, effective school library programs contribute to an interest in lifelong learning;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as School Library Month in Michigan, and I urge all school boards, superintendents, school administrators, teachers, students, and citizens to join me in recognizing school libraries for the outstanding service they provide.
Celebrate School Library Month in Your District!
You can celebrate School Library Month in Your District by:
- Sending a note of appreciation to your school library staff
- Asking staff, students, and community to share their "Reasons to Love School Libraries"
- As you develop next year's budget, ensuring that your school library is properly staffed (MDE Guidelines) and funded
#ProudMIEducator Video Features National School Library of the Year
This #proudMIeducator Video features Carrie Betts, certified school librarian, at West Maple Elementary School in Birmingham Public Schools. West Maple Elementary School’s library was named the 2023 National School Library of the Year by the American Association of School Librarians.
Effective School Libraries Are Essential to Student Success
Certified school librarians are essential for supporting your district's collection development policy and curating a library collection that is right for your students as supported by the Michigan Department of Education memorandum "Best Practices for School Library Collections."
Certified school librarians also teach information literacy, provide students with a safe space, lead a school-wide culture of reading, support technology integration, and positively impact student achievement. This document provides resources to support quality school libraries in your district.
MASL Ready to Support Effective School Libraries in Your District
The Michigan Association of School Librarians can support efforts to ensure your students have access to an effective school library by consulting on collection development policies, job descriptions, etc. or providing training for administrators or library staff. Please contact us at advocacy@mimasl.org.
Michigan Association of School Librarians
Email: advocacy@mimasl.org
Website: www.mimasl.org
Location: 520 S. Creyts Rd. Lansing, MI 48917
Facebook: facebook.com/mimasl.org
X/Twitter: @michiganmasl