In a time of school budget cuts and the declining emphasis on school libraries, it is crucial that the importance of libraries and librarians are recognized on National Librarian’s Day. Research shows that in Colorado, elementary schools with active libraries’ students scored proficient or advanced more often on state tests than those without.
So, on this national day of recognition, we have collected some great ways to support your school library and librarians. There are awards that can be won by school libraries that help to shine a light on your school and the importance of your students and their literary education. With the lack of funding to school libraries there are various grants you can apply for that can revamp student excitement for their library. With 2/3 of students not reading at their appropriate grade level, there are many ways to keep our school libraries alive and your students reading.
School Librarian/Library Awards
The Collaborative School Library Award
This award recognizes and encourages collaboration and partnerships between school librarians and teachers in meeting educational goals. The applicants will be teachers and librarians who have worked together to execute a project, event, or program to further literacy, independent learning, and social responsibility using resources of the school library.
The NSLPY Award
The National School Library Program of the Year Award (NSLPY) recognizes programs in school libraries that correlate with the ever-changing educational system and library environment. These programs put on by school libraries ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. The programs empower students to be critical thinkers, excited readers, excellent researchers and skillful users of information.
School Librarian/Library Grants
The AASL Innovative Reading Grant
The AASL Innovative Reading Grant provides up to $2,500 to support the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for students in grades K-9. These programs should motivate and encourage reading, especially with students who struggle with reading. This grant can be a great way to get your students excited to read.
Keep your library alive with a passionate and enthusiastic spirit! Combat low-funded libraries with grants, and get your students excited to read with library and teacher-based awards. For more ways to support enthusiastic reading in the classroom check out our online courses.
CE Credits Online has been providing online professional development courses to teachers in NYC, LAUSD, and across the country for almost 20 years.