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Board proclaims April 2025 School Library Month and honors district librarians
Summary
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education declared April 2025 School Library Month and recognized school librarians at several schools; librarians and board members stressed libraries' role in literacy, equity and community.
The Board of Education of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools proclaimed April 2025 as School Library Month and publicly recognized district librarians on Wednesday.
Board members read a multi-paragraph proclamation noting that school libraries "ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information" and that school librarians provide "leadership and expertise" integral to instruction. The proclamation concluded: "the Board of Education of Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools does hereby proclaim April 2025 as school library month in all of the public schools of Chapel Hill Carrboro City System." Board members then invited district librarians to introduce themselves and speak briefly.
District staff and librarians described libraries as "dynamic learning hubs" that promote reading, research skills and community. The district's director of digital learning and libraries (identified in the meeting only by title) said school libraries "support student learning, foster a love of reading, and cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning." Librarians from several schools introduced themselves to the board: Bailey Norman (librarian, Ephesus Elementary School); Catherine Cole (librarian, Northside); Janine Pharr (serving Carrboro High School); Tyson Hallett (librarian, Carrboro Elementary); and others who identified their schools.
Public commenters also highlighted libraries. Catherine Cole, the Northside school librarian, said libraries are "sanctuaries" that "allow us to be seekers of wisdom and searchers of truth," and read a short poem during her remarks. Bailey Norman of Ephesus Elementary told the board that fully funded libraries with certified librarians, assistants and instructional-technology facilitators ensure equitable access to books and meaningful digital learning; she asked the board to protect library budgets and staff positions.
Tyson Hallett, Carrboro Elementary librarian, presented survey findings from his fifth-grade class showing that the school library is the top overall book source for students; he noted that students who do not use public libraries rely on school libraries and cited the PTA Book Bucks program as filling gaps. Several board members thanked librarians for their work and recognized the importance of libraries amid statewide debates about book access and legislation.
The proclamation and public remarks were ceremonial but substantively underscored district library staffing needs and community reliance on school libraries as sources of books, access and literacy support.
