by Jack Humphrey
School librarians from throughout Indiana are working with their state legislators to restore funds for new books. They are concerned that a lack of current state and local matching funds for school library books has resulted in few new books being added to school libraries this year.
Prior to the state funding school library books, middle school libraries circulated an average of 9,787 books per school. This rose to 11,240 in 2000 and then to 12,702 in 2002 as a result of new funds provided by the Indiana General Assembly and matched by funds from school corporations.
According to a report from the Indiana Policy Center, the library materials program appears to be associated with a number of positive student outcomes, including increased use of library materials, increased student “ownership” of school libraries, higher levels of independent reading, and higher reading achievement.
The middle grades are a critical time in young people’s reading development. During these years they not only improve their skill in reading, but they also should acquire the habit of reading that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Excellent school libraries and the promise they offer for access to books are crucial if Indiana’s young people are to meet the challenges of the future successfully. The lack of new books will erode circulation and have a negative impact on reading achievement.
Return to list of Articles or Return to Reading Network Home Page