Libraries on the floor of the PA House!

A few months ago I participated in a roundtable discussion about the state and future of PA libraries, out on by the Education Law Center here in Philadelphia. Yesterday I got an email from one of the organizers about a hearing that the PA House will have a week from today in Harrisburg about school libraries. I unfortunately can't attend, but if you are in the area and have the desire, I wanted to pass on her email (with her permission), and the information:

 Our statewide school library project  and research are progressing well, and we expect to have a release of that new research in October.  We will notify you when the “roll-outs” are planned and ask for your participation.   When we met as focus groups to learn more about the findings of the State Board of Education Study, we discussed the importance of presenting those findings to the legislature.   We are pleased to let you know this is happening soon—and we’d love to have you present in Harrisburg for the hearing. 

On Wednesday, August 22, from 10:00 AM to Noon, the Education Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will hold a Hearing on School Libraries at the capitol in the House Majority Caucus Room.  You’re invited and encouraged to attend!

• The purpose of the hearing will be to inform the legislators about the findings and recommendations of the 2011 Pennsylvania School Library Study completed by the State Board of Education and the status of school libraries in Pennsylvania. The legislators will be updated on how the study’s recommendations are being implemented and the impact of recent budget cuts on school library services and instruction for students. 
• Dr. Mary Kay Biagini, University of Pittsburgh, will present the State Board Report followed by a panel of speakers, including Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, Education Law Center, Pennsylvania PTA, Librarians, School Superintendent, and students. 

·         If you are available, please attend the hearing.  Although only those slated to testify will be speaking, a huge crowd of supporters in the audience sends a clear message that this issue is important. Bring your colleagues and friends.

• Submit written testimony if you feel you want to make additional comments about school libraries to the legislature, specifically focusing on student learning.  Anecdotal stories from your school district would be very powerful. 
• If the Representative who represents either you or your school is a member of the House Education Committee, call and email him/her encouraging attendance. Let them know how important school libraries are to the children, teens, and families in their legislative districts. (See list below of House Education Committee Members.)

More than ever, your active support of school library programs is needed. Numbers are important to show support! Why not bring the family for a tour of our beautiful capitolbefore school starts? Click on the link and discover information about the Welcome Center, tours, and the rich history and architecture of the capitol building.   Do you know a special group of students who would benefit from witnessing the democratic process in action?  Please let me know if we can help you with any arrangements or other details.  

Important:  If your legislator serves on the House Education Committee, please call and email them and request that they attend this hearing. 

On behalf of Deb Kachel, Project Director, and all of our partners, researchers, and staff members, we hope that you will join us in Harrisburg where we have a chance to participate in the process and make a difference.  Please let me know if you can attend next week. 

Sandy Zelno

Education Law Center

szelno@elc-pa.org

412-255-6414

Why are we "saving" libraries?

First of all, sorry for my absence! I was just in NYC for the StartingBloc Fellowship - a whole week on social innovation and how to be a better leader. In fact, I might just write a blog post on it. Or, feel free to email me if you are interested in it!


Second, I ran across this blog post (I don't even remember how!): Its time to stop trying to save libraries
which provides the interesting argument that our constant language about "saving public libraries" almost ensures that they become almost obsolete in our minds.

What do you think? Is the language and fight of "saving libraries" necessary, or should we be branding it in a different way?

Seattle - How to Pay for Public Libraries?

I recently found out about a controversy brewing in Seattle over their public library system. Much like other major US cities (and school districts!), Seattle is struggling with where and how to pay for their libraries.

Right now the answer seems to be a seven year levy to pay for all general operating expenses of the library. As you can imagine, there are supporters, and critics of such a plan, you can read the overview article of it all here: Library Battle in Seattle. 

Not sure I want to wade into whats right or wrong here, but it is interesting to hear about, and read about, how other cities are attempting to pay for their public library systems. As far as I know.... no one seems to have figured it out.