Ruth V. Small of Syracuse University wrote an article,  Librarians hold key to world of books, for Children’s Book Week that appeared on Syracuse.com.

She says,

‘As we mark Children’s Book Week, we are reminded of all of those people who help our children discover the magic of the written word and experience the joy of reading. One of the most important is the school librarian.

School librarians introduce students to books and other reading materials that stretch their minds and their imaginations. A study that we conducted here at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) indicates an almost 10 point higher English language arts (ELA) test score among fourth-grade students whose schools had certified librarians over students in schools without certified librarians.

Yet it may be surprising to learn that these essential educators do not fall under state mandated positions. In fact, in the early 1990s, during an economic downturn, I witnessed what happens at the local level when the state doesn’t mandate elementary schools to have librarians. They get cut. When the economy rebounded, some of the librarian positions were restored. Then the cuts happened again in 1998.’

The article gives many real-life examples of how librarians have helped students.

She concludes:

‘ So, the next time you visit your child’s school, be sure to thank your school librarian for enriching your child’s learning through reading and research. And while you’re at it, make sure your legislator knows how important well-trained, certified elementary librarians are in the education of all of the children…’