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Resident urges board to support full-time school librarians, cites research linking libraries to achievement
Summary
A community member urged the East Penn board to continue supporting school libraries, citing 2023 research that connects full-time librarians and higher library budgets to improved student achievement.
Heather Harlan addressed the board during public comment to thank district leaders for supporting libraries and to urge continued backing for librarians and library services. Harlan cited a 2023 research brief that finds schools with full-time librarians and higher library budgets show higher student achievement in reading and math compared with similar schools without full-time librarians.
Harlan also noted that professional school librarians in Pennsylvania must hold a master's degree in library science in addition to an undergraduate degree. She told the board higher circulation and more titles available to students are associated with improved outcomes. Harlan concluded by thanking school librarians and asking the board to continue its support of school-library staffing and budgets.
Ending: The board moved from public comment to routine business after Harlan's remarks; no formal action was taken during the public comment period.
