Elected representatives this session have had difficult financial challenges. One important issue, however, has not escaped their attention and support: legislation that recognizes devastating cuts made in school library programs in Washington.
Senate Bill 6380 unanimously passed the Senate and is facing the House and governor’s approval next week.
Washington’s grass-roots library legislation, begun by the now-famous “Spokane Moms,” has gained national recognition. Upon discovering closures of their children’s school libraries, in three months these women have made local history. They worked with supporters to create legislation that identifies the importance of school library programs and helps districts with emergency funding to keep libraries open.
Tacoma School District is no exception to such cuts. This school year, for the first time in record-keeping history, funds were completely eliminated for library resources. Fourteen schools saw libraries closed at least one additional day each week.
Put into perspective for public library users, imagine going to your library and discovering no new books, magazines or other resources purchased for this year. And while everyone appreciates support that local PTAs give to their schools, funding for school libraries is basic education and should not be shouldered by parent organizations.
Our state senators are to be applauded for their support; hopefully, state representatives will also be supportive. Let us hope school districts and school boards will soon join our legislators in recognizing the importance school libraries play in our children’s overall education and local funding will follow. (Kaaland taught for 17 years and was a librarian for 12 years in the Tacoma School District. She is now on the faculty of Antioch University in Seattle.)
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