Teachers and librarians urge WCPSS to create equitable, districtwide library funding policy

Several school librarians and library advocates used the meeting's public comment period to urge the Wake County Board of Education to adopt a district policy to equitably fund school libraries.

Librarians said current library budgets vary dramatically because funding decisions are left to individual principals and PTAs; speakers said some schools receive no dedicated library funding while others receive tens of thousands of dollars depending on local priorities and fundraising. They told the board a consistent, districtwide funding approach would boost reading-for-pleasure, research skills, and equity across schools.

At Farmington Woods Elementary and Fuquay-Varina Elementary, librarians said refreshed collections produced measurable increases in circulation and student engagement. One speaker told the board her refreshed collection produced a 49% increase in checkouts over three years. Speakers said high-quality collections and certified librarians help the district reach strategic goals such as improved reading outcomes and graduation targets.

Speakers asked the board to consider an explicit policy that would ensure minimum allocations or a formula for library funding, noting that neighboring districts already have written policies. They said the return on investment is seen in literacy, student engagement and curriculum support. Several speakers said they would leave copies of proposed materials and collections recommendations with the superintendent's office.

Ending: Board members acknowledged the testimony and the association between libraries, literacy and student achievement. Staff and board members will consider library funding requests as part of the broader budget and policy review process.