Help us ensure every student has a library to escape to, learn from and read in.
2/3 of schools in NZ don't have a library.
Schools need libraries! Students need books!
In Aotearoa New Zealand:
- Approx 2/3 of schools don't have a library^.
- There are only 58 full-time^^ librarians across the approx. 2,500 schools in Aotearoa.
- There are only 912 part-time librarians but with a wide variation in hours, role, conditions and pay and there is no consistent or minimum level of provision.
- Schools don't have to have a library (but prisons do!).
- A school's library budget comes out of the same budget as the toilet paper, and it is up to Board Members and Principals whether or not a school library is supported.
- Money for library resources, space and people is impacted (often negatively) by misconceptions* and incorrect ideas about what a librarian does, what the library provides and the impact both have on literacy and wellbeing.
*We don't "just" issue books, we don't dust shelves, we don't ssshhhh! We are champions of literacy, curators of curiosity and at the heart of every great school library. From sparking a love of reading to teaching critical research skills, our work shapes the way ākonga engage with stories, information and life-long learning.
^ According to MOE data available on library space.
^^ Full-time is paid for 40 hours per week 52 weeks a year (i.e. not just term time).
* from https://gazette.education.govt.nz/articles/the-magic-of-school-librarians-in-aotearoa
Why do we need School Libraries?
Current issues in education:
- Declining literacy.
- Decline in wellbeing and mental health.
Without a doubt, having a library at school (right where students are each day), that is staffed by a librarian who is passionate about reading for pleasure, skilled in information and digital literacy, has a collection that meets the wants and needs of the community and is a friendly, welcoming, inclusive and accessible space raises the literacy and wellbeing of students.
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Reasons to love school libraries
“They provide opportunities for students to join clubs, take on leadership roles, and build friendships, boosting confidence and self-esteem.”
“Libraries spark curiosity, support learning, and give young people the time to simply read.”
“They create a safe, welcoming space where every student can find what they need.”
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